Ballari Maternal Deaths: Lokayukta takes suo motu action

, Dec 8, 2024, 9:30 AM IST

Bengaluru: Karnataka Lokayukta Justice B.S. Patil has directed officials to register a suo motu case regarding the deaths of six women at the Ballari government hospital. The incident, allegedly caused by substandard Ringer’s Lactate solution supplied by a West Bengal-based company, has sparked outrage across the state.

Taking the matter seriously, Justice Patil exercised his powers under the Lokayukta Act to initiate the case. The directive includes filing cases against senior officials of the health and family welfare department, the medical education department, the drugs controller, and the Karnataka State Medical Supplies Corporation Limited. It also extends to district commissioners and health officers of districts where lapses may have occurred.

Investigations Ordered

The Lokayukta police in Ballari have been instructed to search the hospital and its medicine warehouse as part of the investigation. Search warrants were issued to inspect various departments, including the maternity ward and storage facilities, for evidence related to the faulty medicine.

Widespread Directives

Given the possibility of similar incidents in other districts, all district commissioners and health officers in the state have been instructed to review the supply of the implicated drug and provide reports on preventive measures. Officials have also been asked to report on compensation provided to the victims’ families and submit findings on the role of the Karnataka State Medical Supplies Corporation Limited in the tragedy.

Lokayukta Raids Hospitals

Following the registration of the case, Lokayukta officials conducted raids at the district hospital and BIMS (Bellary Institute of Medical Sciences). Three separate teams inspected the hospital’s various wards and storage facilities. Officers seized 280 IV fluid bottles, including Ringer’s Lactate, suspected of causing the adverse reactions.

The raids, led by SP Siddaraju and other Lokayukta officials, involved over 25 personnel. They interacted with hospital authorities, including district surgeon Dr. N. Basareddy, to gather details about the incident.

Political Reaction

BJP Mahila Morcha president Manjula, accompanied by former MLA Roopali Naik and MLC Hemalatha Nayak, visited the hospital and criticized the government for negligence. Speaking to reporters, Manjula termed the incident a “state-sponsored murder” and questioned the health minister’s accountability. She called the Rs 2 lakh compensation announced by the government inadequate, demanding stronger action to prevent such incidents in the future.

Next Steps

The Lokayukta has sought detailed reports on the measures taken to control the distribution of substandard medicines and evidence collection from the hospital and its storage units. Investigations are ongoing to ensure accountability and prevent further loss of lives.