Mamata Banerjee Revokes Suspension of Junior Doctors in Contaminated IV Fluids Case at Midnapore Hospital

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday revoked the suspension of six junior doctors involved in the contaminated IV fluids case at Midnapore Medical College and Hospital, which led to the death of a pregnant woman. Addressing a program in Kolkata with doctors from both government and private hospitals, Banerjee underscored the importance of considering the future of the junior doctors and withdrew the suspension. She urged senior doctors to supervise and guide trainee doctors closely in their patient care. The suspension of the six junior doctors had previously been part of a broader action against 12 doctors of Midnapore Medical College and Hospital, who were suspended for their involvement in what was described as a case of “clear medical negligence.”

“There is no doubt that the Midnapore case was one that of medical negligence, and it is currently under investigation. Some junior doctors were suspended in connection with the case, and the police have also taken stock of their activities. It is true that they are still undergoing trained and are not seasoned enough to tackle such cases on their own, therefore, leaving them unsupervised was also wrong. The junior doctors will also someday become senior doctors, and taking their future into account, I withdraw their suspension,” said Mamata Banerjee.

Banerjee urged senior doctors to closely supervise trainee doctors in their patient care and welfare, emphasising the need for hands-on guidance. “I would like to remind the senior doctors who teach and train students that they cannot brush off their responsibilities just by assigning duties to the junior trainees. You must at all times be present to supervise what they do. I urge you to carry out government services for the assigned 8 hours, you can go practice privately after that, I have no issues. However, ensure that you dedicatedly carry out your duties and be present in person during the 8 hours of assigned government service,” Banerjee stated firmly.

Previously, Mamata Banerjee had announced the suspension of 12 doctors of Midnapore Medical College and Hospital following an incident where contaminated IV fluids allegedly caused the death of a woman and her newborn. The suspended doctors include medical staff, such as the Medical Superintendent and Vice-Principal of the hospital, along with several postgraduate trainees. Banerjee stated that negligence in the healthcare sector would not be tolerated. "These 12 have been suspended along with pending investigation by the CID," said the Bengal Chief Minister.


On January 8, four patients who delivered at Midnapore Medical College and Hospital, where they were allegedly administered contaminated IV fluids. One of them passed away two days later after her health deteriorated. Meanwhile, two others were reffered to SSKM Hospital in Kolkata for further treatment.​