Series of maternal deaths triggers concerns in Karnataka

Maternal deaths in Ballari hospital due to substandard IV fluid prompt government investigation and political backlash.

The death of four mothers after delivery in the State-run district hospital attached to the Ballari Medical College and Research Centre in Ballari of Karnataka has raised concerns as the State’s maternal and infant mortality rate is considerably low.

A sudden spurt in maternal deaths was reported from Ballari district hospital from November 9 to November 11. The deaths were reported to have occurred following caesarean section deliveries.

Out of the 34 women who underwent caesarean operations over these three days, seven developed complications such as acute kidney injury requiring haemodialysis and multi-organ dysfunction. Of the seven, four died.

An experts committee from the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, which probed the deaths, had concluded that the four women developed complications and died after they were administered a substandard ringer lactate solution — an intravenous (IV) fluid that doctors commonly use to restore hydration and fluid balance in the body.

Following the deaths, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has ordered the suspension of Karnataka State Drugs Controller Umesh S. for dereliction of duty. The Chief Minister has also directed officials to blacklist Paschim Banga Pharmaceutical Ltd. which supplied the substandard ringer lactate solution to Karnataka State Medical Supplies Corporation Ltd. (KSMSCL).

While a criminal case has been registered against the company, a departmental inquiry has been ordered against KSMSCL’s Managing Director.

The Chief Minister has also announced that an expert committee headed by the Development Commissioner would be set up to investigate if any maternal deaths occurred in other hospitals in the State where the ringer lactate solution supplied by the company had been used.