Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, for the second time in three days, expressed his intent to establish a judicial commission to investigate the recent deaths of lactating women at the Ballari District Government Hospital. Speaking on Dec 21, 2024, Rao attributed the fatalities to substandard Ringer’s lactate intravenous fluid supplied by Paschim Banga Pharmaceuticals, a West Bengal-based company.
Highlighting the gravity of the issue, Rao suggested that the Ballari incidents could represent just the “tip of the iceberg.” He announced a statewide audit of maternal deaths to evaluate the broader implications of substandard drugs. “This is a very serious matter. We aim to commission a judicial inquiry into the incident and will consult Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on this matter,” Rao stated during a legislative debate on the health sector crisis.
Rao underscored the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in drug manufacturing and testing processes, citing the challenges posed by the influential pharmaceutical lobby. “The primary cause of these fatalities is manufacturing defects in drugs. However, taking action against pharmaceutical companies is not straightforward. A judicial investigation will guide appropriate actions,” he explained.
Responding to criticism from BJP leader CN Ashwath Narayan, Rao denied allegations of inefficiency within the health department. He pointed out that GPS facilities had been installed in 108 ambulances following his government’s assumption of office in May last year. Addressing accusations regarding low fund utilization, Rao noted that spending under the National Health Mission had increased significantly, from 60% in 2021-22 to 85% in 2023-24.
Rao also clarified concerns about increased user charges in government hospitals, explaining that a fee hike had been implemented only on an experimental basis at KC General Hospital. Acknowledging a scarcity of medicines in some facilities, he assured that steps were being taken to address the issue comprehensively.
Source of Information: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/judicial-probe-likely-into-ballari-maternal-deaths/articleshow/116479751.cms
