In response to a series of maternal deaths at Ballari District Hospital, Dr. Nagalakshmi Choudhary, Chairperson of the Karnataka State Commission for Women (KSCW), visited the facility on Thursday to assess the situation. Accompanied by a team of officials, including District Health Officer Yella Ramesh Babu and Deputy Commissioner Prashant Kumar Mishra, Dr. Choudhary inspected the maternity ward, operation theatres, and the hospital’s basic facilities, such as drinking water, toilets, and hot water systems. She expressed her dissatisfaction with the hospital’s water tank condition and raised concerns about the quality of the services.
The panel also visited the Ballari Institute of Medical Sciences (BIMS) and the home of Nandini, a lactating mother who recently passed away. Dr. Choudhary offered condolences to Nandini’s family and promised further government support for the child.
Addressing the media, Dr. Choudhary emphasized that similar deaths had occurred in other districts like Raichur and Tumakuru. She pointed out that the lowest bidder often gets contracts for medicine supplies, but quality must be prioritized. According to reports from doctors, the deaths occurred following the administration of IV fluids, and Dr. Choudhary has requested lab reports for further investigation.
The Women’s Commission chief also criticized the compensation provided to the victims’ families, calling it inadequate. She advocated for free education for the children of the deceased and additional health aid. She mentioned plans to discuss the issue with the Chief Minister.
The situation has raised suspicions that IV Ringer’s solution may have contributed to the deaths. Following testing, a positive report was received, leading to the suspension of the IV fluid supply. Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao confirmed the halt in the supply of the IV fluids.
In response to public concern, the state government has increased compensation for the families of the deceased from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 5 lakh. Dr. Choudhary stressed the need for better healthcare for the common people, insisting that quality medicines and basic healthcare facilities should be prioritized in district hospitals. The officials at the site included District Superintendent of Police Dr. Shobharani VJ, BIMS Director Dr. Gangadhar Gowda, and several medical officers from the district hospital.
