Kolkata, Jan 16: The West Bengal health department has suspended 12 doctors after the death of a woman and a newborn baby in the alleged expiry saline case, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced on Thursday.

Five women fell ill after being allegedly administered expired Ringer’s Lactate at a state-run medical college and hospital in West Midnapore district. One of the five women, Mamoni Ruidas died on January 10, and the baby passed away on Thursday morning. The baby was of Rekha Shaw, one of the five surviving women.

“Parallel probes by the state health department and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in the matter had proved the negligence of these doctors towards duty beyond doubt. Had these doctors performed their duties properly, these lives could have been saved. These 12 doctors have been suspended already. Apart from that the CID is conducting a probe into the matter and legal proceedings will be adopted against the doctors as per findings and legal provisions,” the Chief Minister said.

These suspended doctors include the medical superintendent-cum vice-principal (MSVP) and the resident medical officer of the said medical college & hospital.

The CM also said that had there been CCTVs within the operation theatres, the offenders could have been caught red-handed. “I think that CCTV machines should be installed in each and every operation theatre and I have asked the state health secretary to take necessary action on this count,” the Chief Minister said.

She said the compensation of Rs 5,00,000 will be provided by the state government to the family members of the deceased woman.

“At the same time, we would also be offering a job to one member of the family if they want,” the Chief Minister said.

She also said that there is a rule of eight hours of duty for the senior doctors, which many of them are not following. “Such negligence towards medical duty is equivalent to a criminal offence. So we need to take strong action. If you think that you are unable to perform the prescribed duties you can quit your job and go to any other state,” the Chief Minister said.

Chief Secretary Manoj Pant, who accompanied the Chief Minister at the press conference, said that from the investigation it is clear the operation protocols were not followed in this particular case. “The junior doctors were given the responsibility of the operation in the absence of senior doctors,” Pant said.

However, the Chief Minister disagreed with the popular thought that the administration of expired Ringer’s Lactate was responsible for the tragedies at the said medical college and hospital. “Had it been the case, then there would have been similar reports from other hospitals in the state where the same solution was used,” the Chief Minister said.

Mumbai: The BMC-run Nair Dental Hospital has emerged as the only institution in the country providing free dental treatment under general anesthesia for special children.

This unique service has brought relief to families grappling with the challenges of maintaining the dental health of children with conditions like down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and autism. While dental procedures typically involve local anesthesia, special children often struggle to cooperate, making treatment under general anesthesia essential.

Nair Hospital treats approximately 200 children annually, ensuring their dental health needs are met without distress. The hospital has state-of-the-art facilities, including three advanced operation theaters, a 26-bed ward, and six private rooms. Patients are provided care in these wards both before and after treatment, ensuring a safe and comfortable experience.

Parents of special children often face challenges in maintaining oral hygiene, and untreated dental issues can escalate, causing discomfort and complications.

A Boon

The hospital’s initiative has proven to be a boon for these families, setting a benchmark for inclusive and compassionate healthcare. Dr Neelam Andrade, the hospital’s dean said that children with special needs generally have a greater need for dental treatment due to inappropriate motor and physical abilities.

Statement Of Dr Neelam Andrade, Hospital’s Dean

“They are also more prone to cavities due to diet variations, medications, improper brushing etc. A paediatric dentist is well trained and qualified to treat children with special health care needs,” she said.

Speaking about the hospital’s unique services, Dr Andrade said for the treatment of special children, they have doctors from the anaesthesia department of Nair Medical College.

“Before administering general anesthesia, all necessary fitness tests are conducted. Only after clearance are the children taken to the operation theater for dental treatment. Posttreatment, the patients are kept in the ward for two days. Such facilities are not available in any other dental hospital,” she said.

Mumbai, Jan 16: Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan’s team has now issued an official statement saying that the actor is stable and is out of danger now. The actor is being monitored by a team of medical professionals as he sets out on the path of recovery.

The team said in its official statement, “Saif Ali Khan has come out of surgery and is out of danger. He is currently in recovery and the doctors are monitoring his progress. All family members are safe and the police are investigating the incident”.

The statement further read, “We would like to thank Dr. Niraj Uttamani, Dr. Nitin Dange, Dr Leena Jain and the team at Lilavati hospital. Thank you to all his fans and well-wishers for their prayers and thoughts during this time”.

The actor was stabbed multiple times in an attempt to fight off a burglar during the wee hours of Thursday. The actor sustained six stab wounds, two of which are said to be serious as they are closer to his spine. The incident took place at 2:15 am when the burglar allegedly barged into their Bandra home, and attacked their house help and then Saif when he intervened.

At the time of incident, his wife Kareena Kapoor Khan was present at home along with other members of the family as they all were sleeping. Saif was woken up by the commotion in his son Jeh’s room.

He went inside the room to see the culprit arguing with their house help, looking at this, Saif intervened to save the house help with bare hands to fight off the culprit.

The Mumbai police have started the investigation and are accessing the CCTV footage. Three accused have been reportedly detained, and are subjected to interrogation.

Earlier, the actor’s manager had issued a statement detailing the incident. The manager said at the time, “There was an attempted burglary at Mr Saif Ali Khan’s residence. He is currently in hospital undergoing surgery. We request the media and fans to be patient. It is a police matter. We will keep you updated on the situation”.