Mother dies 4 months after being given ‘expired saline' by West Bengal govt-run hospital
According to her family, her condition had remained critical since the saline administration. She was on dialysis, her heart was failing, and two days before her death, she began experiencing seizures during dialysis. She never regained consciousness and was placed on a ventilator.
The incident dates back to January 2025, when a 31-year-old woman who had delivered a baby on January 8 died the next day at the state-run hospital. Her family alleged that her death was caused by the use of 'expired' saline. Three other women, including Nasrin, developed complications after receiving the same saline. The affected women were transferred to SSKM Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on January 12.
'She had been battling for her life after that poisonous saline was given to her,' said Sheikh Zayed, Nasrin's maternal uncle, to The Indian Express. 'For the last two days, she was on ventilation. We were told that her organs had started to fail.'
Nasrin's mother-in-law, Fateha Bibi, told reporters, 'Ten days ago, she was shifted to a general bed and doctors said she was to return home, but then during dialysis she suddenly started having fits, after which she did not regain consciousness. Her kidneys were not working, neither was her heart. We have lost everything. The child will never know what a mother's care is like. My son's life is over… We are worried for him as he is also unwell.'
Silence has descended over Keshpur village, where Nasrin lived.
Meanwhile, the other two affected mothers, Mampi Singh and Minara Biwi, had recently been discharged from the hospital.
Following the January incident, a 13-member team from the State Health Department had visited the hospitals amid widespread protests. Family members of the deceased 31-year-old woman filed complaints at Kotwali police station, expressing frustration that action was 'only being taken' after the patients had died.
The West Bengal government then issued a directive stating: 'All the items procured through SMIS from Paschim Banga Pharmaceutical should not be used even if available… and all existing stocks should be withdrawn.'
As part of the fallout, the government suspended 12 doctors for 'medical negligence' related to the use of the expired saline. Compensation of Rs 12 lakh and a government job were announced for the family of the deceased.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News18
43 minutes ago
- News18
Breast Milk For Sale: Mothers Making Millions Online. But Is It Safe For Other Babies?
Last Updated: Women in the US are earning millions by selling breast milk, but is it safe for babies? Discover 5 essential facts about the benefits and risks of buying breast milk Breastfeeding is on the rise across the United States, with an increasing number of women choosing to nurse their infants rather than rely on formula. As this trend gains momentum, an intriguing development has come to light: many women are now earning up to $1,000 (approximately Rs 87,000) per month by selling their surplus breast milk. Online communities on platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook have emerged, where individuals prioritise purchasing breast milk over formula, believing it to offer superior health benefits. Remarkably, some bodybuilders are also reported to consume breast milk for its perceived nutritional value. Why Is Breast Milk Considered Unique? Health experts widely agree that breast milk offers numerous benefits for both the baby and the mother. It contains essential nutrients, antibodies, proteins, and healthy fats that support immunity and development. The first form of breast milk, colostrum, is often referred to as the baby's 'first vaccine' due to its protective qualities. For babies, breast milk plays a vital role in both physical and cognitive development. For mothers, breastfeeding supports postpartum recovery, strengthens emotional bonding, and may reduce the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. It is also a safe, natural, and cost-effective source of nourishment during the early months of life. The World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNICEF recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a baby's life, citing its unmatched health benefits. The Risks Of Buying Breast Milk Despite its growing popularity, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) strongly advises against buying or feeding breast milk obtained from unregulated sources. While sharing breast milk may appear harmless, it can pose serious health risks, especially if the donor's medical history is unknown. Diseases such as HIV, hepatitis B and C, and various bacterial infections can be transmitted through breast milk. Improper storage and handling can also lead to bacterial contamination, potentially making the milk unsafe or even fatal for infants. Additionally, some sellers may engage in unhealthy practices to increase milk production, potentially compromising its nutritional quality. Without proper medical supervision or laboratory testing, purchasing and using breast milk from informal sources can be highly risky. A Global Phenomenon With Ongoing Debate The trend of selling breast milk is not limited to the United States, it's observed in several other countries as well. However, the safety concerns highlighted by health authorities remain universally relevant. As demand grows, so too does the debate about regulation, safety, and ethics surrounding the informal breast milk market. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! view comments First Published: July 31, 2025, 11:28 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
New Indian Express
3 hours ago
- New Indian Express
AWBI funds pending for 15 years, ABC programme may slow down in Tiruchy
TIRUCHY: The Tiruchy city municipal corporation is facing a huge challenge to fund the Animal Birth Control (ABC) and Anti-Rabies Vaccination (ARV) programmes as the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) has not reimbursed its share for the last 15 years. According to sources in the Tiruchy corporation, a sum of Rs 4.57 crore to sterilise and vaccinate 34,921 dogs in the last 15 years, but the AWBI has not released its 50% share (Rs 2.28 crore) it is obligated to provide till date despite several representations. With its finances stretched, the corporation is left with no option than to approach the animal husbandry department to bail it out or slow down the programme. The corporation currently spends Rs 1,750 per dog for these procedures. As per AWBI guidelines, 50% of this cost is to be reimbursed. As per a survey conducted by the NGO World Veterinary Society at the behest of the civic body between October 2024 and January 2025, there are approximately 44,000 stray and community dogs in the city. Of these, 24,577 have been sterilised and vaccinated so far. Corporation sources said if AWBI delays releasing funds any further, the Tamil Nadu animal husbandry department has to support the programme. "But even animal husbandry department has not been supportive. There has been no response from them, " an official said.
Indian Express
5 hours ago
- Indian Express
‘Will you use your own brain too': Tejashwi's jibe after Nitish hikes pay of ASHA and Mamta workers
The Nitish Kumar-led National Democratic Alliance government has announced an increase in the honorarium for ASHA and Mamta workers in the state, prompting Opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav to seek credit for the move. In a post on X Wednesday, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced that honorarium of ASHA, or Accredited Social Health Activists, workers was being tripled to Rs 3,000 crore and that of Mamta workers was going to be doubled to Rs 600 for every child they help deliver. 'Since the formation of the government in November 2005, we have worked on a large scale to improve healthcare services… In recognition of the significant contribution of ASHA and Mamta workers in strengthening healthcare services in rural areas, it has been decided to increase their honorarium amount.' While ASHA, or Accredited Social Health Activists, are community health workers in rural India. Under the National Rural Health Mission, they are seen as bridge between the community and the public health system. Mamata workers, on the other hand, are contractual health workers in maternity wards of government hospitals that are meant to care for newborns and their mothers. Both are crucial links in the rural healthcare chain. ASHA workers currently get Rs 1,000 while Mamta workers Rs 300/child. The decision comes months ahead of the assembly polls and follows a series of recent welfare measures by the Nitish cabinet, from infrastructure and employment to education and healthcare. These include the promise of one crore jobs over the next 5 years, the development of the Maa Janki temple in Sitamarhi, increasing social welfare pensions, reservation for women in state government jobs and free electricity up to 125 units. Soon after Wednesday's announcement, Rashtriya Janata Dal leader and Bihar's former deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav accused his former ally Nitish of 'repackaging and claiming credit' for initiatives introduced during his tenure. In a post on X, Yadav said: 'In my 17-month tenure as Health Minister, I had initiated the process of increasing the incentive amount for ASHA and Mamta workers which had reached its final stage, but the government and the Chief Minister habitually backtracked. This incompetent NDA government then sat on it for two years. Finally… they had to bow to our demand'. Yadav further criticised the government for what he called a partial implementation of the proposal. 'Here, the government has cleverly not implemented our demand in full. They (ASHA and Mamta workers) deserve honorarium, not just incentives. We will provide them with an honorarium,' he said. The Nitish-led NDA government will now be compelled to increase the honorarium of Anganwadi workers, helpers, and cooks too, he said. He then went on to say: 'It feels good to see how this imitation-prone, exhausted, visionless government is now visibly rattled by our demands, promises, and intent. The same government and ministers, leaders, and officials who once mocked our announcements are now scrambling as they see power slipping from their hands. Sab kuch Tejashwi ka hi nakal karoge ya apni bhi akal lagaoge (Will you copy everything from Tejashwi, or will you use your own brain too)?'
