Bengaluru, Dec 6 (NationPress) Karnataka's Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao stated on Friday that in connection with the maternal fatalities at Ballari District Hospital, directions have been issued to pursue legal action against the firm that provided the Ringer Lactate intravenous (I.V) fluids.
While addressing the media in Bengaluru, Minister Rao mentioned: "The state's Drug Control department has indicated that 22 batches of the I.V fluid failed to meet quality standards; however, the Central Drug Lab (CDL) has confirmed that the fluid complies with quality requirements."
Given that the CDL report is deemed conclusive, some legal challenges are being encountered in taking action against the supplier. Consequently, a communication has been dispatched to the Central Drug Lab for further clarification, as stated by Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao.
In response to the BJP's call for a Lokayukta investigation into the maternal fatalities, Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao expressed his support for the inquiry.
He emphasized: "We have no intention of hiding anything. Every life holds immense value for us. Upon discovering concerns regarding the Ringer Lactate I.V fluid, its usage was promptly ceased statewide, and the company has been blacklisted. Our primary focus is to identify and rectify any lapses that occurred."
The Minister also mentioned that he plans to personally visit Ballari District Hospital to conduct an extensive review of the situation.
Minister Rao added that measures are being implemented to overhaul the State Drug Supply Corporation, and a proposal in this regard has been presented to the government.
Furthermore, the Minister clarified that the maternal deaths in Ballari are not linked to the merger of the Drug Control Department and the Food Safety Department.
Meanwhile, addressing another maternal death case in Ballari, CM Siddaramaiah remarked in Bengaluru: "We must first investigate the cause of the death. Women pass away after childbirth in various locations. I acknowledge this is the fifth case. I convened a meeting and suspended the drug controller. Notices have been issued, and all necessary actions are being undertaken.
"I will also look into the most recent case. We need to determine whether the deaths are attributable to medication, surgery, or other factors."
