Kolkata, July 9 -- The state Health Department on Thursday ordered an inquiry after the family of a patient alleged that expired saline had been administered at Midnapore Medical College and Hospital on Wednesday. Health Minister Sharadwat Mukherjee said a report had been sought from the hospital authorities and assured that stricter monitoring and corrective measures would be put in place.
Mansi De, a resident of Vidyasagarpally in Midnapore town, was admitted to the hospital on July 5 after suffering a stroke.
Her family alleged that she complained of a burning sensation in her chest while receiving intravenous saline on July 8, and that the saline bottle they examined later had an expiry date of March this year.
After the matter was reported to the hospital authorities, the patient was shifted to the ICU, and an inquiry was initiated. She remains under close observation. Notably, the medical college had faced a similar controversy in January 2025 over the alleged use of expired saline on a patient.
"Weekly surveillance will be undertaken to ensure such lapses do not recur. Health officials are expected to follow the standard operating procedures, and the department will ensure compliance," Health minister added. A team from the state health department visited Midnapore Medical College on Friday.
Later, Mukherjee paid a surprise visit to Barasat Medical College and Hospital to assess its healthcare infrastructure.
Inspecting the emergency department and several wards, he reviewed patient care standards and administrative functioning, and expressed dissatisfaction over the condition of the hospital.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.