WB Govt halts 14 medicines after maternal death at Midnapore college
The West Bengal government banned 14 medicines from state-run Paschim Banga Pharmaceuticals after a pregnant woman died at Midnapore Medical College Hospital. The woman developed complications after receiving Ringer Lactate Solution from the company.
On Tuesday evening, the health department directed all government hospitals to stop using these medicines. Hospitals must remove existing stocks and ensure these drugs are not administered to patients.
The first seven banned drugs will now come from alternative suppliers, while hospitals must buy the remaining seven from the market. The government will fund these purchases.
The banned medicines include Ringer Lactate Solution, Dextrose Solution, Levofloxacin Infusion, Paracetamol Infusion, Sodium Chloride Injection, Mannitol Infusion, and more.
Link to Similar Bans in Karnataka
Recently, the Karnataka government banned Paschim Banga Pharmaceuticals’ medicines after five pregnant women died from alleged complications. Concerns over drug quality raised alarms, prompting West Bengal to take similar precautions.
Government Action and Safety Measures
West Bengal’s health department called the ban a precautionary step to safeguard patient health. Officials are actively procuring alternative medicines and closely monitoring hospital stocks.
Authorities aim to prevent further incidents while ensuring a steady supply of quality medicines in all government hospitals.
