Tamil Nadu Dental Clinic Sealed 2 years after death of 8 patients

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CMC Vellore, which played a pivotal role in uncovering the source of the outbreak, released a statement noting that from 2022 to 2023, they observed a concerning number of admissions for brainstem syndrome. Of 21 identified cases, 10 had undergone dental procedures at the now-sealed clinic. The bacterial contamination was ultimately traced back to an in-use saline bottle at the facility. 

“The outbreak was controlled with 10 cases by active intervention of the district government health authorities,” the statement said.

According to the Hindu, Tirupattur Collector K. Sivasoundaravalli ordered the closure of the clinic after the district health authorities were not satisfied with the response given by the clinic’s management to its show cause notice over the allegations. Health officials, led by V. Gnana Meenakshi, Tirupattur Joint Director of Medical and Rural Health Services (JDHS), sealed the clinic.

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Further investigations by a four-member district health team on May 30 revealed that the clinic had relocated slightly and altered its name in an apparent attempt to continue operations. The team's report was submitted to the Collector.

Meanwhile, the Tirupattur police have launched a parallel criminal investigation. Superintendent of Police Shreya Gupta confirmed that special teams have been formed to pursue complaints filed by families of the deceased patients. The inquiry is currently ongoing.