The Calcutta High Court has directed the state of West Bengal to provide compensation to the family of a pregnant lady who had died due to being given allegedly contaminated saline at a government hospital. Four other pregnant women were reportedly in intensive care after being administered the same solution.
These observations were made by a division bench comprising Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam and Justice Hiranmay Bhattacharya, who were hearing a public interest litigation seeking a probe into the death of a pregnant lady who was administered allegedly contaminated saline at a hospital.
Counsel for the petitioners stated that on 22nd March 2024, the government of Karnataka had flagged a company for giving contaminated saline and banned them for three years, while notifying the West Bengal government.
Counsel stated that despite the intimation, the supply of contaminated saline continued and did not come to light till a pregnant mother was given the said saline with fatal consequences.
Counsel informed the court that the issue was flagged as far back as 2015, but no action was taken and whistleblowers were stifled.
It was stated that the State government had said the saline would not be used in January 2025, but it continued to be used.
Court took exception to the fact that even after an order had been issued in 2024, by the Health department in Siliguri, black listing the said drugs, the same were not withdrawn and continued to be used.
Advocate General informed the court that while all bottles of solution were being tested in an independent facility, there were three batches which could be contaminated and efforts were ongoing to pinpoint the exact bottles. It was stated that the saline was widely used all over India and an unfortunate incident had occurred in West Bengal.
It was further stated that the incident was being investigated by the CID according to the Lalita Kumari guidelines on medical negligence.
Accordingly, the Court directed the state to provide compensation to the family of victim and called for a comprehensive report from the health department regarding the timeline of events and the names of those who were administered the solution.