BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari | Photo Credit: PTI
The BJP has stepped up heat over the Mamata Banerjee administration regarding the alleged use of expired saline in State-run hospitals, with Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari on Friday taking the family of a survivor to the Governor’s residence at Raj Bhawan.
The West Bengal government had recently suspended 12 doctors, alleging medical negligence in the ‘expired saline administration case’ in Midnapore Medical College and Hospital (MMCH), which allegedly led to the death of a woman and a newborn, and severe illness in multiple other patients.
BJP leaders and supporters took out a rally from College Square to Mohammed Ali Park in North Kolkata on Friday afternoon.
During the rally, party leaders like Mr. Adhikari and Agnimitra Paul demanded the government furnish a comprehensive list of patients who were administered with the “questionable” Ringer’s Lactate solution, which was allegedly involved in the death of a woman post-childbirth and in three postpartum mothers being rendered critical earlier this month.
The protestors also demanded stringent action against State Health Secretary Narayan Swaroop Nigam and Health Minister Mamata Banerjee, compensation for the suspended doctors and withdrawal of their suspension.
“Our internal reports suggest the three postpartum mothers who were administered the saline are still critically ill and have not been able to pass urine properly,” Mr. Adhikari said on Friday.
“When I asked one of their husbands if he visited his ailing wife, he said he was allowed to meet her only on the first day and since then, he has not been able to see her,” he further alleged.
Mr. Adhikari stressed on the importance of the government publishing a list of patients who have so far been administered the Ringer’s Lactate solution, claiming that its “questionable quality” could have caused considerable damage to the health of thousands of people in the State.
Soon after the rally, Mr. Adhikari took the family of one of the critically ill patients, Mampi Singh, to meet the Governor at his residence at Raj Bhawan, and submitted a deputation.
Published – January 25, 2025 08:59 am IST
