3 Midnapore Medical College doctors reinstated months after suspension

Midnapore: Three doctors at Midnapore Medical College and Hospital have been reinstated after the West Bengal health department revoked their suspensions through an order issued on Friday, marking a key development in a case linked to maternal and neonatal deaths in January 2025. 

Medical Dialogues had previously reported that a 21-year-old woman passed away following childbirth at Midnapore Medical College and Hospital in West Bengal's Paschim Midnapore. Her family members have raised serious concerns about the saline administered to her during treatment.

Also Read:Pregnant woman dies at Midnapore Hospital, kin alleges expired saline administered

In the immediate aftermath, the hospital authorities suspended 13 healthcare workers on January 16, 2025. The action followed allegations connected to multiple maternal and child deaths at the facility. While the suspension of seven postgraduate trainees was lifted on February 24, disciplinary proceedings continued against several senior doctors and administrative officials. 

According to the latest order, the reinstated doctors include former Medical Superintendent-cum-Vice Principal (MSVP), Resident Medical Officer (RMO), and assistant professor.

Earlier, the suspension of the former Head of the Department of Gynaecology had also been revoked in a separate order.

While the RMO and Assistant Professor have been reinstated to the gynaecology department, MSVP has been posted to the medical college pending a departmental inquiry. Notably, he was on leave during the incident and had previously submitted all details to Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari during a Janata Darbar, reports TOI.

After the latest order, only two doctors remain under suspension. Hospital authorities confirmed that the recently reinstated doctors have already approached the college principal requesting to resume duty.

Principal Mousumi Nandi said, 'All three have applied to join the workforce.' 'The order has just come. Give it some time. Everything will be fine,' he said, reports Ei Samay.

The reopening of the case file, reportedly following intervention from the Chief Minister’s office, has raised expectations among affected families and medical staff that a clearer conclusion may finally be reached. Authorities are now expected to re-examine whether the deaths were caused by medical negligence or issues such as contaminated saline, as previously alleged.

Also Read:5 doctors transferred to Midnapore Medical College Hospital amid saline death controversy