Substandard Ringer Lactate Solution Ssuspected to Be Behind Maternal Deaths in Karnataka

Bengaluru: The Karnataka Health Department has revealed that a substandard ringer lactate solution might have caused maternal deaths in Ballari, sparking concerns over the quality of medical supplies used in hospitals across the state.

According to officials, seven patients out of 34 women who underwent caesarean operations at the district hospital between November 9 and 11, developed complications such as acute kidney injury requiring haemodialysis and multi-organ dysfunction, resulting in four maternal deaths.

The investigation revealed that Paschim Banga Pharmaceutical Ltd supplied substandard ringer lactate solution to Karnataka State Medical Supplies Corporation Ltd. The health department has launched an inquiry into the matter.

A team of specialists doctors led by the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences conducted a confidential review of the maternal deaths, at the behest of the principal secretary of health and Family Welfare.