PIL in Calcutta HC sought to probe death of patient due to ‘contaminated saline’
Last Updated on January 15, 2025 by Shianjany Pradhan
The Calcutta High Court is scheduled to hear a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning an incident at the Midnapore Medical College and Hospital in West Bengal.
The case revolves around the administration of expired saline that left three pregnant women critically ill and led to the death of 21-year-old Mamoni Rui Das.
The PIL seeks a CBI investigation into the incident to ensure a thorough and unbiased inquiry.
The division bench, headed by Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam, has permitted the PIL, which calls for the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the administration of expired or contaminated intravenous fluids at the government hospital.
The petitioner, pointed out that the saline supplier had been previously banned by another state government in March 2024 for three years and therefore wanted to transfer the investigation from the state police to the CBI, citing concerns over impartiality and transparency.
Three pregnant women who were given the expired saline were transferred to Kolkata’s SSKM Hospital on Sunday night.
One of the women is in the Intensive Therapy Unit (ITU), while the others are being treated in the Critical Care Unit (CCU). The state health department has formed a five-member medical board to monitor their treatment.
In response to the incident, the state government has set up a 13-member committee to investigate the matter. Initial reports suggest that the women were administered Ringer’s lactate intravenous solution, which contributed to their deteriorating condition.
The family of Mamoni Rui Das has filed a police complaint, accusing hospital authorities of negligence in her death.
The Calcutta High Court has directed the petitioner’s lawyer to inform the West Bengal Advocate General’s office to ensure proper state government representation during the upcoming hearing.
The hearing will continue on 16th January 2025.
