Bengal Orders Probe After Patient Given Expired Saline at State Hospital
The West Bengal Health Department has ordered an inquiry into allegations that a patient was administered expired intravenous saline at Midnapore Medical College and Hospital. Health Minister Sharadwat Mukherjee announced the probe on Thursday, along with stricter monitoring measures to prevent such incidents.
The patient, Mansi De, a resident of Vidyasagarpally in Midnapore town, was admitted on July 5 after suffering a stroke. Her family alleged that on July 8, she complained of a burning sensation in her chest while receiving saline. Upon examining the bottle, her son said he found the expiry date had passed in 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 hospital subsequently shifted De to the intensive care unit and began an internal inquiry.
Medical Superintendent-cum-Vice Principal Indranil Sen stated that the patient is 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,” he added.
Minister Mukherjee assured that corrective measures would be implemented. “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,” he said.
This is not the first such incident at the facility. In January 2025, the hospital faced controversy over similar allegations of administering expired saline to a patient. The health department has sought a report from the hospital and promised action based on findings.
