Contaminated IV Fluids Incident: Midnapore MCH Junior Doctors Announce Complete Ceasework in Response to Suspension of 12 Doctors

Junior doctors of Midnapore Medical College and Hospital have announced complete ceasework until further notice. The decision comes after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday announced the suspension of 12 doctors, that include 6 junior doctors following the death of a woman in connection with the contaminated IV fluids incident. They were suspended for their involvement in what has been described as "a clear case of medical negligence."

"We, the junior doctors (interns, HS & PGT) of Midnapore Medical College and Hospital are deeply disheartened by the administrative decision of suspension of six junior doctors (from Obgn & Anaesthesia dept) following the unfortunate demise of one pregnant mother alongside critical condition of three others," wrote the junior doctors in a letter addressed to the principal, in solidarity with their colleagues of the obstetrics, gynecology and anesthesia departments who were suspended.

The junior doctors have alleged that their colleagues have been suspended to divert attention from "adverse drung reactions
To divert attention from adverse drug and multiple deficits and corruptions in the health system on the part of the administration." They added that the 6 junior doctors were suspended in an attempt to make them "scapegoats." "It's extremely agonizing that on-duty junior trainee doctors have also been framed as enemies of the society, where, in fact, they were actually trying to save some lives," they added.

"The junior doctors of obgn and anaesthesia dept have announced complete ceasework effective immediately till further notice.
All the junior doctors of Midnapore Medical College and Hospital stand in solidarity with our fellow colleagues in this state of moral crisis, and announce complete ceasework effective from 8 AM on Friday, January 17th, 2024 till further notice," informed the junior doctors in their letter, and called for a more transparent investigation into the incident of contaminated IV fluids.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday announced the suspension of 12 doctors of Midnapore Medical College and Hospital following a tragic incident 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.

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.

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.​