Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has initiated prosecution against Paschim Banga Pharmaceuticals after five women died following C-section deliveries in Ballari district, where they were administered the company’s IV fluid.
Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao told the Assembly on Thursday that the government is seeking compensation for the bereaved families. “A child has lost its mother. We can’t let this go. Though compensation cannot bring back lives, the company must be held liable,” Rao said.
The deaths occurred at Ballari District Hospital in November. A medical panel from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences has ruled out medical negligence, pointing to the Ringer’s Lactate solution manufactured by Paschim Banga as the suspected cause.
Multiple batches of the IV fluid failed quality tests in Karnataka laboratories. Drug Controllers in five districts – Shivamogga, Chikkamagaluru, Haveri, Bengaluru, and Gadag – have filed complaints in jurisdictional courts between December 7-9.
In Shivamogga, charges have been filed under Sections 18(a)(i) and 27(d) of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. The offences carry imprisonment between one to two years and a minimum fine of Rs 20,000 for manufacturing and selling substandard or spurious drugs.
