Ringer Lactate Saline Banned Again in Tripura Amid Allegations of Maternal Death and Poor Quality
Tripura 17 Jan, 2025: The Ringer Lactate saline solution produced by a pharmaceutical company in West Bengal has been the subject of numerous complaints. This saline was banned in West Bengal itself and was also prohibited in Tripura two years ago. However, for unknown reasons, the use of this saline resumed in various states, including West Bengal, Tripura, and a few others.
The controversy gained momentum when allegations surfaced that a maternal death occurred at Medinipur Medical College in West Bengal due to the use of this saline. Following this incident, Karnataka banned the use of Ringer Lactate saline. Recently, Tripura followed suit and has now banned the saline manufactured under the name IOCEL for the second time. This saline has been completely prohibited in Tripura’s two main hospitals.
Reports suggest that Tripura had long-standing concerns about the quality of medicines and saline solutions produced by West Bengal Pharmaceuticals. Although the Ringer Lactate saline was banned in the state two years ago, it mysteriously re-entered circulation in hospitals. Allegations emerged that its use in Medinipur Medical College led to a patient’s deteriorating health, ultimately resulting in her death. This prompted Tripura’s health department to take decisive action.
The state’s Joint Director of Health, Dr. Soubhik Debbarma, issued urgent instructions to the superintendents of Tripura’s two referral hospitals, ensuring that no saline produced by West Bengal Pharmaceuticals is used. It is alleged that a corrupt syndicate has been supplying substandard saline and medicines from this company to various hospitals for years. Tripura’s health department has now initiated an investigation into the matter.
While banning the Ringer Lactate saline in Tripura may temporarily quell the controversy, questions remain as to how the saline was reintroduced into the state’s hospitals. Experts believe a thorough investigation is essential to uncover the truth behind the incident.
The above news and information have been sourced from the Tripura daily newspaper Ajker Fariad.
