A series of maternal deaths following caesarean deliveries at the government-run Ballari District Hospital, Karnataka, has sent shockwaves through the medical community, prompting an intense investigation into the safety of medical supplies. Between November 9 and 11, four women succumbed to complications, and three others required critical care, including haemodialysis for acute kidney injury and treatment for multi-organ dysfunction.
An expert committee has attributed the deaths to the administration of a substandard batch of Ringer’s lactate IV fluid, supplied by Paschim Banga Pharmaceutical Ltd. The batch in question (26.2.9) has been withdrawn statewide, and samples have been sent for further testing.
On Thursday, another maternal death was reported at the same hospital, bringing the total number of such deaths in a month to five. Speaking to the media, BMCRC Director T. Gangadhara Gouda said the patient had a multi-organ failure and died, despite efforts by doctors to save her.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has taken swift action, suspending Karnataka State Drugs Controller Umesh S. for negligence and directing the blacklisting of the pharmaceutical supplier. The Chief Minister has also announced the formation of an expert committee to investigate if similar incidents have occurred in other hospitals across the state.
While the government has provided ₹2 lakh compensation to the victims’ families, efforts are underway to recover damages from the pharma company. Meanwhile, political opposition has called for the resignation of the Health Minister and Medical Education Minister, escalating tensions around the issue.
The incident underscores the need for stringent quality control in medical supplies, especially in maternal care, where the stakes are highest.
