Three women from Medinipur are still in serious condition at SSKM Hospital in Kolkata after reportedly receiving contaminated saline at Medinipur Medical College. Mampi Singh, one of the affected ladies, is still on a ventilator, while Minara Bibi and Nasrin Khatun require oxygen. The event raised questions about the quality of medical supplies at government hospitals in Bengal. 

Five women, Rekha Sau, Mamoni Ruidas, Mampi Singh, Minara Bibi, and Nasrin Khatun, fell severely ill last Wednesday after delivering child at Medinipur Medical College Hospital. According to reports, their urine flow abruptly ceased, prompting concerns about possible poisoning. Allegations emerged that all five ladies’ condition detoriated soon after receiving saline drips. One of them, Mamoni Ruidas, passed away on Friday due to her illness. Following this terrible incident, there were concerns regarding the hospital's saline quality. 

The deteriorating health of three of the women led to their transfer to Kolkata's SSKM Hospital on Sunday night. Initially, they established a five-member medical board to treat them. However, when their condition worsened, the board was expanded to thirteen members. Despite the extra medical care, doctors are unsure about their full recovery. 

Talking to media, SSKM Hospital Superintendent Piyush Kumar Roy added, "We cannot claim that their situation is safe yet. All three women are under strict surveillance, and currently our primary goal is to control their infection." 

According to sources, both Mampi Singh and Nasrin Khatun have developed kidney ailments that is requireing dialysis. While Mampi is in the Critical Care Unit (CCU), Nasrin is in the Intensive Therapy Unit (ITU). Meanwhile, Minara Bibi contracted a lung infection on Tuesday, and her blood platelet count decreased needing her to shift to CCU at SSKM's critical care unit. 

At Medinipur Medical College Hospital, two newborns are also receiving treatment. According to hospital authorities, the condition of Rekha's kid can be best termed as ‘severe’. 

Relatives of the afflicted ladies have gathered at SSKM Hospital, anxiously awaiting details. They expressed anger and frustrations with the government's handling of the issue. Expressing his deep anguish Mampi Singh's father-in-law sais, "When Mampi was admitted to Medinipur Medical College, she was fine. After her delivery, they gave her saline, and we were subsequently told that her condition was severe." 

According to sources, roughly 39 ladies became unwell on Thursday at Medinipur Medical College Hospital due to identical conditions, with five being sent to intensive care. The unexpected deaths and issues following childbirth have aroused concerns about potential systemic failings. 

A member of Minara Bibi's family informed reporters, "Doctors (SSKM) have assured us that there is no need to panic. They are kept under continuous monitoring and observation. Nonetheless, the overall picture is grim." 

Many families blame government negligence for the disaster. Mampi Singh's relatives have expressed worry over their accommodation at SSKM Hospital. "We don't have anywhere to stay." The local authority promised arrangements, but nothing has happened. "If Meenakshi and Dhruba (of DYFI) weren't there, we wouldn't have a place to sleep," one of them remarked. 

The episode has caused significant public indignation, with calls for accountability and tighter regulations on medical equipment in government hospitals. According to reports, the CID has initiated a probe into Medinipur Medical College's saline use. 

The ongoing crisis in West Bengal's government hospitals has shown major gaps in medical service and administration. The contaminated saline incident, which resulted in the death of one woman and significant health consequences in others, highlights the critical necessity for tight quality control in hospital supplies. As investigations continue, impacted families seek justice, while doctors are working overtime to try to save lives.