Women’s panel chief visits Ballari district hospital following maternal deaths

BALLARI: Following the series of deaths of lactating mothers at the district hospital, a team of the Karnataka State Commission for Women (KSCW), led by its president Nagalakshmi Choudhary, visited the hospital on Thursday and held discussions with the authorities and doctors. The team also visited the Ballari Institute of Medical Sciences (BIMS).

The commission president vented her anger at the hospital authorities after examining the condition of the water tank. The team also visited the maternity ward and operation theatre. She also spoke to the district hospital surgeon Dr Basareddy. District Health Officer Yella Ramesh Babu, Deputy Commissioner Prashant Kumar Mishra and other officials accompanied Nagalakshmi Choudhary.

The women’s panel chief also visited the house of Nandini, a lactating mother who lost her life, and offered her condolences to her parents. She also assured the family of more aid from the government for the child.

Speaking to media persons, Nagalakshmi said, “Such deaths have been reported in different parts of the state including Raichur and Tumakuru. The lowest bidder is awarded tenders for supply of medicines, but the government should focus on quality. I have spoken to the patients and collected information. The doctors say the deaths occurred after the IV fluids were administered. Everything seems okay outwardly, but I have sought lab reports”.

Further, she said the compensation given to the families of the victims is not enough. “The children should be provided free education all through and given aid for health. I will speak to the CM about this”, she added.