Shobha Karandlaje Alleges Malpractices in Karnataka Hospitals

By A Staff Reporter

DELHI: Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje on Friday leveled serious allegations against the Siddaramaiah-led Karnataka government, claiming widespread corruption and malpractices in the state’s healthcare system. She highlighted alarming figures of 111 infant deaths and around 30 maternal deaths in the past six to seven months, blaming the administration for negligence and compromised medical supplies.

Speaking at a press briefing, Karandlaje cited incidents from Ballari district hospital and BIMS (Bellary Institute of Medical Sciences), where multiple maternal deaths occurred within a week. She pointed to the use of banned Ringer lactate glucose, allegedly supplied by MM Paschimbanga Pharmaceutical, as a primary cause. "The glucose given after cesareans was fake," she said, accusing the pharmaceutical company and questioning why such supplies were procured despite the ban.

The minister further alleged that the state government was suppressing data on these deaths. “The Siddaramaiah government is hiding the data of the deaths. There is corruption and malpractice in all the hospitals. Computers are non-functional, there is a shortage of staff, and essential medicines are unavailable,” Karandlaje added.

She called for action against Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao and demanded compensation for the families of the deceased. Highlighting the systemic failures, Karandlaje stressed the urgent need for accountability and improvements in the healthcare infrastructure of Karnataka.

The allegations have sparked political tension, with demands for a thorough investigation into the supply of fake medical products and the overall management of healthcare services in the state. The Karnataka government is yet to respond to the minister’s claims.