The state government also announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh each to the families of the victims, an official said on Sunday while announcing the suspension of the two employees including drug inspector Dinesh Taneja. These decisions were taken at a high-level meeting in Jaipur on Saturday night presided by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot who also directed the Jodhpur Divisional Commissioner to probe the deaths and submit a report within 15 days.
At least 13 women have died and three others are battling for their lives after they were allegedly administered the fluids in Umaid and MG hospitals since February 13. An official said the government has also blacklisted a glucose supply company Anshul Farma.
A case has already registered under section 328 of the Indian Penal Code (causing hurt by means of poison with intent to commit an offence), against the Indore-based Parental Surgical India Private Limited, and a local distributor, for allegedly supplying contaminated I V fluid that is believed to be the cause behind the deaths.
Two committes which were probing the incident have submitted their reports. The six-member panel of SM Medical College had blamed contaminated IV fluid for the deaths while the two-member government committee has suggested a slew of measures for the hospitals amid fears that an infection could also have led to the deaths.
A four-member police team led by a sub-inspector is also in Indore to quiz officials of Parental Surgical India Private Limited and carry out futher investigations. The company was raided on Friday.
Umaid hospital Superintendent Narendra Changani had said that the administration has registered a complaint against the manufacturing company and the local distributor Anshul Pharam, who supplied the contaminated stock of the I V fluid.
Investigating officer Dhagla Ram had said close to 10,000 bottles of the IV fluid have so far been seized and a report of a forensic scientific laboratory is awaited.
"As a precaution, we have kept the main operation theatre and labour room closed for fumigation," said principal of the S N Medical College R K Aseri.