The Calcutta High Court will hear a PIL on January 16 regarding the administration of expired saline at Midnapore Medical College, resulting in critical illnesses and a death. The petition seeks a CBI investigation and formation of an SIT. Outrage has ensued, leading to protests and a police complaint from the deceased’s family.
Kolkata: The Calcutta High Court is set to hear a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) on January 16, regarding a tragic incident in West Bengal’s Midnapore. The case involves the administration of expired saline at the Midnapore Medical College and Hospital, which has left three pregnant women critically ill and caused the death of 21-year-old Mamoni Rui Das. The PIL demands a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the incident to ensure a transparent investigation.
Petition Seeks CBI Probe and SIT Formation
The division bench, led by Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam, has allowed the filing of the PIL, which calls for an SIT to investigate the use of expired or contaminated intravenous fluids at the government-run hospital. The petitioner’s lawyer, Phiroze Edulji, brought to light that the supplier of the saline solution had previously been flagged by another state government in March 2024 and banned for three years. Edulji argued for transferring the investigation from the state police to the CBI, highlighting concerns over impartiality and transparency.
Critical Condition of Affected Women
The three pregnant women who were administered the expired saline were transferred to Kolkata’s SSKM Hospital late on Sunday night. According to a state health department official, one of the patients is currently in the Intensive Therapy Unit (ITU), while the other two are being treated in the Critical Care Unit (CCU). The health department has formed a five-member medical board to oversee the treatment of the women.
State Government’s Committee Investigation
The state government has formed a 13-member committee to investigate the incident. Initial reports suggest that the women were administered Ringer’s lactate intravenous solution, after which their condition worsened. The investigation into the medical negligence is ongoing, and further details are awaited.
Political Outrage and Protests
The incident has sparked significant outrage among opposition parties, with BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari and the Left Front staging protests in Midnapore.
They have called for the resignation of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee from her role as the state’s health minister, accusing her of failing to ensure the safety of medical supplies in state-run hospitals. Adhikari has demanded a comprehensive investigation into the alleged negligence by the state health department.
Family Members File Police Complaint
The family members of the deceased, Mamoni Rui Das, have lodged a police complaint accusing the hospital authorities of causing her death due to negligence. The complaint adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing investigation.
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Court Directs Government Representation
The Calcutta High Court bench has directed the petitioner’s lawyer to inform the West Bengal Advocate General’s office to ensure proper representation by the state government during the upcoming hearing. The court’s involvement in this matter is seen as a crucial step toward ensuring justice and accountability in this case.
The hearing scheduled for January 16 will continue to shed light on this troubling incident, and the call for a CBI investigation continues to grow, demanding answers and justice for the affected families.
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