Bengaluru, Dec 7 (NationPress) Union Minister for Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs Pralhad Joshi criticized the Congress-led Karnataka government for its accusations against the Centre concerning the series of maternal deaths in the state, stating that it is unjust to hold the Central government responsible for this issue.
During a press conference, Pralhad Joshi addressed allegations suggesting that the Central government approved intravenous (IV) fluid samples linked to maternal fatalities, noting that similar incidents have not been reported in neighboring states.
He condemned the Karnataka administration for its unjust blame on the Centre, highlighting that even Telangana, governed by Congress, has not encountered such challenges with maternal deaths.
"The Congress leaders should communicate with a sense of responsibility," remarked the Union Minister.
Pralhad Joshi pointed out that maternal and newborn mortality rates have been on the rise in the state in recent months. He accused the Siddaramaiah-led government of showing indifference towards this critical situation.
"Despite the reports of maternal deaths, CM Siddaramaiah has failed to visit Ballari. The government is entangled in corruption and is irresponsibly supplying inferior-quality IV fluids. They are endangering the lives of the public," he claimed.
The Union Minister asserted that the root cause of the maternal deaths in Ballari is the administration of substandard IV fluids. He also criticized Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao for not managing the crisis effectively.
Pralhad Joshi previously accused the Siddaramaiah-led Karnataka government of lacking sensitivity to the series of maternal deaths reported in Ballari district.
At the BJP state headquarters, "Jagannath Bhavan" in Bengaluru, he expressed his alarm over the increasing maternal and newborn mortality rates.
He alleged that the government provided low-quality medications due to corruption, thereby risking the lives of citizens.
The Union Minister further criticized Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, stating that he has neglected governance entirely while trying to shield himself from scandals related to MUDA (Mysuru Urban Development Authority), Valmiki Tribal Welfare, and the Excise Department.
Pralhad Joshi emphasized that healthcare is a critical sector for the state government and admonished the Congress-led administration for routinely blaming the Central government for various issues.
In response to a separate inquiry, Pralhad Joshi stated that state Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao exhibits a lack of sensitivity and seems content acting as a sycophant to CM Siddaramaiah.
"If Minister Gundu Rao had any moral integrity, he should have resigned immediately," he stated.
Pralhad Joshi characterized the situation as nothing more than theatrics.
He also highlighted that the in-charge minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, and Medical Education Minister Sharan Prakash Patil had not made an effort to visit Ballari.
The issue of maternal deaths in government hospitals in Ballari district gained renewed attention with the demise of Sumaya, the most recent victim, who was admitted to VIMS in Ballari on November 10.
After undergoing cesarean surgery on November 12, she received IV fluids that resulted in kidney complications and ultimately led to multiple organ failure. Despite undergoing dialysis, she passed away on December 5.
Before Sumaya, Rojamma, Nandini, Muskaan, Mahalaxmi, and Lalitamma also lost their lives due to post-delivery complications in Ballari district.
These tragic occurrences have sparked widespread concern and outrage throughout the state.
