State Women’s Commission Chairperson Dr. Nagalakshmi Chowdhury has made a striking statement regarding the recent deaths of pregnant women at BIMS Hospital in Ballari. She suspects that the cause of these deaths may not be limited to the IV Ringer Lactate solution but could also be due to the lack of cleanliness in the operating room. Dr. Chowdhury has called for the operation theatre’s thorough cleanliness and hygiene inspection.
During her visit to the Ballari District Hospital on Friday, December 13, Dr. Chowdhury inspected the maternity ward, surgery room, and water supply tanks. Addressing the media, she emphasized the need for swab tests of the air, walls, and surgical tables in the operating room to rule out infections caused by bacteria and toxins. She stressed that unsanitary conditions in the operating room could have led to fatal infections among the women.
The chairperson stated that a detailed report would reveal whether the IV Ringer Lactate solution was the sole cause of the deaths or if other factors were involved.
Sharp Decline in Admissions
The incident has caused widespread concern, leading to a sharp drop in the number of pregnant women being admitted to BIMS. While 585 women were admitted in September and 577 in October, the number dropped significantly to 289 in November. As of Saturday, December 13, only 80 women had been accepted.
Background of the Incident
The tragic deaths have alarmed the state. On November 9, 14 women underwent cesarean deliveries at the district hospital, after which nine experienced sudden health complications. Nandini and Lalithamma passed away in the maternity ward, and the remaining seven women were shifted to BIMS Hospital, where Rojamma died on November 13.
Following the incident, the government launched an investigation, initially pointing to the IV Ringer Lactate solution as the cause. However, two more women, Muskan and Sumaya, died on November 25 and December 5, respectively, raising further concerns and prompting additional scrutiny.