Stern action should be taken against those found guilty of endangering lives: TMC’s Abhishek Banerjee

The comment of Banerjee, considered number two in the Trinamool Congress hierarchy, came days after one woman died and four others fell critically ill after delivering children following alleged administration of expired intravenous fluid at government-run Medinipur Medical College and Hospital (MMCH).

Kolkata: Trinamool Congress (TMC) national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Wednesday said strict action will be taken against those found guilty of negligence irrespective of political affiliations, following a controversy over the death of a woman and three others falling critically ill after childbirth in a state-run hospital allegedly after administration of 'expired' intravenous fluid.

While the West Bengal health department initially formed a 13-member committee to probe into the incident, the state government on Monday also ordered a CID probe into the death of the woman.

"Any death is tragic and unfortunate. The state government has clarified its stance. A probe committee has been formed. Strict action will be taken against those found guilty. The administration has taken steps irrespective of political affiliations," Banerjee said in a statement.

The senior TMC leader emphasised that "nothing is more important than life," and if any mistake led to the death of a mother during childbirth, the person responsible should face the harshest consequences. He stressed that such action should set an example for others and reiterated the administration's commitment to ensuring justice.

"The state government has already instructed police to arrest those who are involved in this case, and strict action should be initiated against them," he said while speaking at 'Sebaashray' health camp held in Falta in South 24 Parganas district. The camp is an initiative by Banerjee, the TMC MP from Diamond Harbour constituency.

Responding to a question on the recent incident in Midnapore Medical College and Hospital (MMCH), Banerjee said, "The government has ordered an inquiry into the lapse. But saying that the entire health system has collapsed would be wrong." The TMC leader said government infrastructure operates at the block levels, while the 'Sebaashray' camps are designed to cater to village-level needs.

He said since TMC came to power in 2011, the state government has significantly developed and expanded health institutions across the state.

"Swasthya Sathi is a major initiative launched by our government, unlike Ayushman Bharat by the BJP government at the Centre, which targets only a selective group of people," he remarked.

Banerjee also expressed his dissatisfaction with comparisons between Sebaashray camps and the state's health infrastructure.

"I disagree with the fact that the state's health infrastructure is under question. The state government has done enough. The state government has been conducting Duare Sarkar camps and providing services to people at their doorsteps," he said.