Ballari Maternal Deaths Due To 'Substandard' Lactate Solution, Says Govt. BJP Demands Minister's Resignation

Between November 9 and 11, a sudden surge in maternal deaths was reported at the Ballari District Hospital following caesarean operations.

The report indicated that the complications could be linked to the Ringer Lactate solution used at the hospital.

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The Karnataka Health Department has raised concerns that the recent maternal deaths in Ballari might be linked to the use of substandard Ringer Lactate solution, a commonly administered intravenous fluid for hydration and fluid balance. The solution was supplied by Paschim Banga Pharmaceutical Ltd to the Karnataka State Medical Supplies Corporation Ltd (KSMSCL).

Between November 9 and 11, a sudden surge in maternal deaths was reported at the Ballari District Hospital following caesarean operations. Of the 34 caesareans conducted during this period, seven patients developed severe complications, including acute kidney injury and multi-organ dysfunction, as per a report on PTI.

According to the Health Department, four of the seven patients succumbed to complications, while two have been discharged. One patient continues to receive treatment at the Vijayanagar Institute of Medical Sciences (VIMS), Ballari.

A confidential review of the deaths was conducted by a team of specialist doctors under the direction of the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences and the principal secretary of Health and Family Welfare.

The investigation found no negligence or dereliction of duty by the hospital staff. The team noted that protocols for patient care, caesarean procedures, and post-operative management were followed appropriately, as per the report. Despite the efforts of medical teams in the ICU, post-operative ward, and dialysis unit, four lives could not be saved.

The report indicated that the complications could be linked to the Ringer Lactate solution used at the hospital. The KSMSCL had earlier frozen all 192 batches supplied by Paschim Banga Pharmaceutical Ltd after two batches were declared substandard by the Drugs Control Department in March 2024. However, following a quality certification by the Central Drug Laboratories, the use of 84 batches was permitted in August 2024.

Following the maternal deaths, the state government has withdrawn the suspected Ringer Lactate solution batch across Karnataka. Samples of the solution used in the Ballari hospital have been sent for further testing to confirm its quality.