Woman dies months after being administered expired saline at Kolkata Hospital

Another pregnant woman, identified as Mamoni Rui Das, died allegedly following administration of "expired" Ringer’s Lactate saline at the same hospital in January.

Ringer’s Lactate is an intravenous fluid that doctors use to treat dehydration and restore fluid balance in the body.

"Following treatment in all these months, Khatoon’s condition was improving. She was shifted from the ICU to a general ward some time back. But her condition started deteriorating from May 9, and she died this morning," the official said.

Khatoon was undergoing dialysis regularly since she was admitted to the SSKM Hospital, he said.

Rui Das died on January 10, while the condition of four others — Mampi Singh, Nasrin Khatoon, Minara Bibi, and Rekha Sau — admitted at the same hospital, deteriorated and were brought to SSKM Hospital.

The development prompted the health department to constitute a 13-member committee to investigate the matter.

Mampi Singh and Minara Bibi were discharged later, while Nasrin's treatment continued at the Kolkata facility, the official said.

West Bengal CID has been investigating the matter as the state government suspended 12 doctors of the Midnapore Medical College and Hospital for negligence in connection with the matter, reports PTI.

The state government also provided Rui Das’ family with compensation of Rs 5 lakh along with a government job.

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that following the recent case of expired saline administration that allegedly led to the deaths of a woman and her newborn, the Calcutta High Court has granted protection to a suspended junior doctor who was reportedly subjected to coercive police action.

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