Contaminated LR fluid led to deaths, say reports

THE LACTATED RINGER SOLUTION IS ROUTINELY ADMINISTERED TO TREAT DEHYDRATION AND ANEMIA POST DELIVERY AND SURGICAL CASES

- Hirekop Rajan Samuel

BELAGAVI: Contaminated Lactated Ringer (LR) IV fluids have been identified as the cause of multiple maternal deaths in Karnataka's Raichur and Ballari districts, according to laboratory test reports from Bengaluru and Hyderabad. The revelations have sparked widespread criticism of the government's handling of healthcare facilities.

Raichur deputy commissioner Nitesh K confirmed that four maternal deaths at Sindanur Taluk Government Hospital in October and November were linked to the use of contaminated LR IV fluids supplied by Ballari District Hospital. Similar fatalities were reported in Ballari itself, raising questions about the safety protocols in government healthcare facilities.

The health department initiated an investigation into the deaths, sending samples of the LR IV fluids to laboratories in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and the Government Drug Control Laboratory.