Karnataka probes maternal death, IV fluid supplier blamed

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Belagavi: The Karnataka government has taken the death of a pregnant woman in Ballari seriously and has assured strict action against the culprits. Health and Family Welfare Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao informed that after consultation with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, a judicial inquiry will be started to investigate the death.

In the winter session of the Legislature-Parliament at Suvarna Soudha, the minister said, ‘If found guilty, I am ready to face the punishment without any hesitation.

Responding to the concerns raised by the opposition leaders under Rule 69, Minister Gundu Rao said that on November 9, 10 and 11, a total of 34 cesarean deliveries took place in Ballari Hospital. Of these, seven mothers developed serious complications after delivery, from which five died and two recovered.

An expert team was sent from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore to investigate the matter. The team submitted its report on November 14, confirming that the doctors followed all surgical protocols and that there was no mistake. Instead, death occurred due to an adverse reaction to Ringer’s lactate IV fluids administered postoperatively. The IV fluid supplied by the West Bank Company was found to be substandard in laboratory tests. Tests conducted at a laboratory in Hyderabad have revealed the presence of endotoxic substances in Ringer’s lactate IV fluid, the minister said.

Rao said the same IV fluid was supplied to other hospitals in Karnataka. As a result, an audit of maternal deaths across the state has been ordered. The Development Commissioner has been tasked with reviewing the case, and an expert medical team is also conducting a parallel investigation.

To ensure systemic reforms, a senior IAS officer has been appointed to recommend reforms in the Karnataka State Medical Supplies Corporation (KMSCL).

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