Bengal woman dies after delivery at hospital; family blames expired IV fluid

Kolkata: A woman tragically passed away, and four others are in critical condition following childbirth at the Midnapore Medical College and Hospital (MMCH), an official confirmed on Saturday.  

The family of the deceased alleged that expired Ringer's Lactate (RL), administered as intravenous (IV) fluid, caused her death. The woman's husband has lodged a formal complaint at the Kotwali police station, leading to the initiation of a police investigation.  

The deceased woman delivered her baby on Wednesday but succumbed to complications on Friday, according to the official. In response to the incident and the deteriorating health of four other patients, the state health department has constituted a 13-member panel to investigate the matter thoroughly.  

Complaint sparks investigation  

“There is a death of a woman in Midnapore Medical College and Hospital. There are a few who are also critical. The family members have alleged that the Ringer's Lactate (RL) administered on the intravenous (IV) fluid has expired. We have received complaints from the husband of the deceased woman and the family members of the other women patients. An investigation has been initiated,” stated an official from the state health department.  

Hospital sources revealed that samples of the RL have been collected for analysis, and a report from the drug control authority is awaited.  

“Once we get the report, the matter will be clear,” the official added.