Bengal govt orders probe into hospital administering 'expired' saline to patient

Kolkata, Jul 9 (PTI) The West Bengal Health Department on Thursday ordered an inquiry and announced stricter monitoring measures, after the family of a patient alleged that she had been administered expired saline at a state-run medical college and hospital. Health Minister Sharadwat Mukherjee said a report has been sought from the Midnapore Medical College and Hospital in this regard, and assured that corrective measures would be put in place. In January 2025, too, the medical facility was embroiled in a controversy over allegedly administering expired saline to a patient. "Health officials are expected to follow the standard operating procedures, and the department will ensure compliance. Weekly checks will be undertaken to ensure such lapses do not recur," Mukherjee said. The patient, identified as Mansi De, a resident of Vidyasagarpally in Midnapore town, was admitted to the hospital on July 5 after suffering a stroke. According to her family, she complained of a burning sensation in her chest on July 8 while receiving intravenous saline. Her son later alleged that upon examining the bottle, he found the expiry date to be March this year. "My mother has multiple health issues apart from the stroke. I want to know how such a saline was administered to her," he said. The patient was subsequently shifted to the intensive care unit (ICU), and the hospital authorities initiated an inquiry. Medical Superintendent-cum-Vice Principal Indranil Sen said the patient was stable and under close observation. "Medicines are stocked in the hospital, and somehow an expired saline appears to have been administered. The lapse was identified immediately and rectified. She has been shifted to the critical care unit," Sen added. PTI BSM RBT