"Case of medical negligence...": Mamata Banerjee Announces Suspension of 12 Doctors of Midnapore MCH over Contaminated IV Fluids Incident

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday announced the suspension of 12 doctors following a tragic incident at Midnapore Medical College and Hospital, where contaminated IV fluids allegedly caused the death of a woman and her newborn. The suspended doctors include medical staff, such as the Medical Superintendent and Vice-Principal of the hospital, along with several postgraduate trainees. They were suspended for their involvement in what has been described as a clear case of medical negligence.

Banerjee stated that negligence in the healthcare sector would not be tolerated. "These 12 have been suspended along with pending investigation by the CID," said the Bengal Chief Minister. "Those who were present that day because of their negligence, this incident took place. We don’t know what will happen if other patients go to them. We have to look after them,” she added.

The move came hours after the Calcutta High Court pulled up the state government for failing to act swiftly despite an order issued in December 2024 to stop the use of contaminated IV fluids. The court noted, "It is rather disturbing to know that despite an order passed in December 2024 directing to stop manufacturing, the health department did not take proactive action to suspend the usage of the drugs. This was only done on 14th January." The court also directed the state to compensate the family of the deceased woman.

Mamata Banerjee defended the state’s actions, explaining that the government had sent the saline samples for retesting and would explore alternative IV fluids of better quality. "If there was a problem with the saline, similar incidents would have been reported in other hospitals as well," she said.

The chief minister also pointed to issues with medical care during surgeries. "Juniors who are not qualified to perform caesarean operations were sent. There was negligence involved. Proper anaesthesia was not administered. Where were the MSVP and head of the department? As administrative heads, was it not their responsibility to know?" she questioned.

In addition, Mamata Banerjee ordered the installation of CCTV cameras outside operation theatres in state-run hospitals to enhance accountability. "There has been so much improvement in the healthcare system in the last 14 years but because of the negligence of some people, the entire system is being put on the dock," she said.

On January 8, four patients—Mampi Singh, Nasreen Khatun, Minara Bibi, Rekha Sau, and Mamoni Ruidas—delivered at Midnapore Medical College and Hospital, where they were allegedly administered contaminated IV fluids. Ruidas passed away two days later after her health deteriorated. Meanwhile, Singh, Khatun, and Minara's conditions worsened, prompting their referral to SSKM Hospital in Kolkata for further treatment.