Another maternal death in Ballari, health minister says 'ready to resign

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru/Ballari

Another maternal death has been reported at the Ballari Medical College and Research Centre (BMCRC), bringing the total number of such fatalities in the past month to five. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday assured that an investigation would be conducted into the death that took place on December 5 night, while Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao stated he was willing to "resign" if it would help improve the situation. According to information received, 23-year-old Kolmi Sumaiya was admitted to the hospital on November 11 and underwent a cesarean section.

She later developed complications that led to renal failure, senior health department officials told PTI. "Following the C-section, complications arose, requiring her to be placed on dialysis. She passed away on Thursday," an official said. The officer stated that there were seven complicated delivery cases, of which two patients were discharged, while five, including the recent case, lost their lives in the past month. He added that all the newborns in these cases were healthy. According to a note issued by the health department, on December 5, the patient experienced persistent hypotension, despite being on double inotropes and suffered cardiac arrest at 7.45 pm.

"Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) was administered in three cycles, but despite all efforts, the patient succumbed at 8.10 pm," the note stated. According to the health department, between November 9 and 11, four maternal deaths were reported at the district hospital in Ballari. It was noted that the Ringer Lactate (RL) batches supplied by a West Bengal-based pharma company had been used. Siddaramaiah assured that the matter would be investigated. "We will determine the cause of the death. Maternal deaths occur in many places," he told reporters in Bengaluru. When reminded that this was the fifth death, Siddaramaiah acknowledged he was aware of the situation. "I have conducted a meeting and suspended officials from the drugs control department.

We will investigate this case, as well to determine whether medicines or any other reason caused it," he said. On his part, Minister Rao told reporters in Bengaluru, "I am ready to resign if it can set things right. This is not about prestige or power; it is about people's lives. We have taken the maternal deaths in Ballari very seriously and implemented legal steps and measures to bring improvements." Rao further said he had no objection to an investigation into the matter.