Bengal Government Transfers Three Critical Patients from Midnapore to Kolkata Hospital for Urgent Care

Three women became critically ill after childbirth at a state hospital in West Bengal's Paschim Medinipur district. This was allegedly due to expired intravenous fluids. They were transferred to SSKM Hospital in Kolkata around 11 p.m. on Sunday. One woman was admitted to the Intensive Therapy Unit, while the other two were placed in the Critical Care Unit, according to a state health department official.

The condition of these women remains critical, with one in a very severe state. Two of them are on ventilators, and all three have kidney issues requiring dialysis. "Our doctors are monitoring their parameters to determine the next course of action," stated the official. A five-member medical board has been formed to oversee their treatment.

Investigation and Response

A woman died, and four others became critical after childbirth at Midnapore Medical College and Hospital (MMCH). This incident prompted the health department to form a 13-member committee to investigate. State health secretary N.S. Nigam mentioned that the committee would submit their findings on Monday. He also discussed the health conditions of the three women with senior officials and MMCH's principal.

The three patients were transported separately in ALS ambulances through a green corridor from MMCH to Kolkata. A fourth woman, whose condition improved slightly, stayed at MMCH. Family members of the three women claimed they weren't consulted about transferring the patients to SSKM Hospital.

Public Outcry and Political Reactions

Meanwhile, protests erupted outside MMCH led by the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) and youth wings of CPIM. They demanded accountability for the woman's death at the hospital. DYFI and SFI supporters also blocked roads briefly to press their demands.

The state Congress blamed the West Bengal government for this incident, seeking an explanation from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who is also the health minister. West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee president Subhankar Sarkar called it a result of corruption and negligence within the state health department.

Sarkar announced plans for a protest at Swasthya Bhavan on Monday, highlighting that "the victim couldn't even see her baby after giving birth." He urged people to join their rally starting from Salt Lake's Karunamoyee at 12:30 p.m., proceeding towards Swasthya Bhavan in Sector V.

Officer on special duty Aniruddha Neogi mentioned that Ringer's Lactate administered might have impurities needing testing by drug control authorities. The incident underscores significant concerns over healthcare infrastructure and accountability in West Bengal's public hospitals.