K’taka Reports 327 Maternal Deaths This Year, Says Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao

In response to the deaths of postpartum women at Bellary Hospital, Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has reacted in Kolar. He stated that 327 women have died in the state this year, attributing the deaths to systemic failures. He assured that disciplinary actions have already been taken and notices have been issued. He also mentioned that legal action would be initiated against the pharmaceutical supply company involved.

Officials Visit West Bengal Facility

Speaking in Mulbagilu Taluk, Kolar, Dinesh Gundu Rao mentioned that officials have already visited the manufacturing unit in West Bengal related to the Bellary incident. “We have taken several measures, and an IAS officer will be appointed to the Food and Drug Control department to address the issue. An audit will be conducted to determine the cause of the deaths, and a committee will be formed by the Health Department to investigate the deaths of these women,” he said.

No Purchase of Banned Medicines

In response to allegations from R. Ashok regarding the purchase of banned medicines, Gundu Rao clarified, “We have not purchased any medicines. R. Ashok is misinformed. When we tested 22 different medicines, we found no issues. The medicines were approved by the central lab. Between April and November, 2,000 deliveries were carried out without any fatalities. However, following this incident, we have initiated an investigation. There is no medical negligence in the deaths of these women, but there are other suspicions,” he added.

Reacts to Opposition’s Comments on CM Siddaramaiah’s Visit

Referring to the opposition’s statement that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah did not visit the affected area, Gundu Rao responded, “BJP should stop politicizing everything. This is a major failure in the health department. When the BJP was in power, children died during the oxygen crisis.”