Kolkata — Nasrin Khatoon, a patient who had been battling for life for four months after allegedly being administered expired intravenous saline at Midnapore Medical College and Hospital in Paschim Medinipur district, died on Monday at SSKM Hospital in Kolkata, a state health department official confirmed.
Khatoon, who was in an advanced stage of pregnancy at the time of the alleged medical lapse in January, had been under continuous treatment at the state-run SSKM Hospital. Though her condition had shown signs of improvement and she was recently shifted out of the ICU, her health deteriorated on May 9, leading to her death early Monday.
Background and Ongoing Investigation
The case drew statewide attention after it was reported that Ringer’s Lactate, a commonly used intravenous fluid, had expired but was still administered to patients. On January 10, another pregnant woman, Mamoni Rui Das, died under similar circumstances at the same hospital.
Four other women — including Khatoon, Mampi Singh, Minara Bibi, and Rekha Sau — suffered severe health complications after reportedly receiving the same expired fluid. Singh and Bibi were discharged following recovery, while Khatoon remained under intensive care until her passing.
The incident led to the suspension of 12 doctors from the Midnapore hospital and the formation of a 13-member health department committee to investigate the matter. The West Bengal CID is also conducting a separate probe.
The state government earlier provided Rs 5 lakh compensation and a government job to Rui Das’ family. Whether similar aid will be extended to Khatoon’s family remains unclear at this time.
