Leader of the Opposition in Assembly R. Ashok during his visit to Ballari Medical College and Research Centre on Sunday.
| Photo Credit: SRIDHAR KAVALI
Leader of Opposition in the Assembly R. Ashok demanded a Lokayukta probe into the recent deaths of lactating mothers in the State-run Ballari Medical College and Research Centre (BMCRC) in Ballari.
“A report was submitted to the government mentioning the sub-standard quality of the Ringer’s lactate infusion. Yet, the same IV is being supplied to government hospitals in the State. As a result, four lactating mothers died in the Ballari hospital. The government should take responsibility and order a Lokayukta probe,” Mr. Ashok said during his visit to BMCRC in Ballari on Sunday.
Mr. Ashok also said that there is a need to examine the situation in all government hospitals in the State. “If the government does not order a Lokayukta probe, I will file a complaint with the Lokayukta,” Mr. Ashok said.
Speaking specifically about the deaths in Ballari, Mr. Ashok claimed that the lactating mothers in question developed liver failure after they were given the Ringer’s lactate infusion and their blood pressure drastically dropped.
“Karnataka State Medical Supplies Corporation Limited (KSMSCL) notified the government about the sub-standard quality of the IV six months ago. Why did the government then purchase it? The government has escaped its responsibility by placing an officer, who was appointed just two months ago, under suspension. Indeed, the government itself should get suspended,” Mr. Ashok said.
Standing in support of the doctors who administered the drugs, Mr. Ashok claimed: “Even after this tragedy, district In-charge Minister [B.Z. Zameer Ahmed Khan] has not visited the hospital. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah came to Ballari but did not visit the hospital. It shows their negligence”.
Criticising the compensation of ₹2 lakh to the family of the deceased, Mr. Ashok demanded that it be hiked to ₹25 lakh.
Published – December 02, 2024 07:00 am IST
