Did ambulance strike result in the death of an infant?

August 4, 2013

Belthangady, Aug 4: Despite assurances by the Minister of Health and Family Welfare U T Khader that the on-going strike by 'Jeevarakshaka' ambulance workers across the state had not affected the public, the death of an infant in Bantwal due to lack of proper medical assistance may prove otherwise.

This incident took place in Belthangady taluk.

Hailing from a poor background, Dharnappa Poojary and Babi, residents of Koyyur in Bantwal taluk, were expecting their second child in the first week of August. During her pregnancy, Babi was staying at her maternal house in Shibaje in Belthangady taluk, and routinely visited a maternity hospital in Ujire for check-ups during her term.

In the wee hours of Friday, June 26, Babi began developing labour pains and family members immediately dialled 108 for emergency services. However, due to delay in the response of an ambulance, she had to be taken in a private vehicle for a distance till the ambulance arrived at the spot. Although she was being rushed to a hospital, Babi gave birth in the ambulance itself.

There was only a KSRTC driver in the ambulance who was not trained to hande medical emergencies. Due to the absence of trained personnel and adequate medical facilities in the ambulance, Babi was taken along with her baby boy to a nearby hospital and given first aid. The doctors advised the family to take the mother and infant to Wenlock hospital, as the baby was not given proper medical assistance following the delivery.

Unfortunately, the infant died a week later on August 2. It is said that the subsequent death of the infant occurred due to insufficient medical facility during and after delivery in the ambulance.

Since the drivers and medical staff operating the emergency ambulances have been on protest, the government has temporarily appointed KSRTC drivers to keep the service running.

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Warning! Cancer-causing chemicals found in bakery products, especially cakes in Karnataka

News Network

October 3,2024

Bengaluru: The Karnataka Food Safety and Quality Department has issued an urgent warning following the discovery of potentially cancer-causing chemicals in cakes sold by certain bakeries across the state.

Recent tests conducted by the department revealed that some cake samples, particularly those with vibrant colors, contain harmful synthetic coloring agents such as Allura Red, a substance known to pose health risks. The findings have raised concerns about the use of artificial colors in bakery products, especially given their potential link to cancer and other serious health conditions.

"We routinely test various food products, and this time, our officials noticed unusually dark-colored cakes on the market," said Srinivas K, Commissioner of Food Safety for Karnataka. "Upon testing, we found that a few cakes contained Allura Red, a synthetic dye associated with health risks."

The use of artificial colors, especially in popular cakes like red velvet and pineapple varieties, is widespread as it attracts customers, particularly children. However, many bakers prefer using natural, safer alternatives, while some opt for synthetic dyes to enhance the cake's visual appeal.

"Most bakeries use permissible, natural colors that are safe for consumption. Unfortunately, a few are resorting to synthetic dyes just to make their cakes more attractive," said a bakery owner from Electronic City, speaking anonymously.

Medical experts are warning that consuming synthetic colors can lead to numerous health issues, including asthma and allergic reactions.

"Some of these artificial dyes are carcinogenic, and prolonged exposure could have serious consequences, especially for children and young adults," cautioned Dr. Vandana G, a private medical practitioner.

While the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) confirms that only a limited number of samples tested positive for harmful colors, legal action is being taken against the violators.

"There is no need for widespread panic or halting production. We are closely monitoring the situation, and only a few bakeries were found to be non-compliant. Rest assured, appropriate legal measures are underway," assured an FSSAI official.

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