Coimbatore / Tirupur, July 26, 2025 — At the TSK Government Maternity Hospital in Tirupur, a five-month pregnant woman, identified as Banumathi (35) of Saminathapuram, was reportedly given an expired glucose packet during a routine check‑up.
On discovering the expiry date—May 2025—she raised concerns. Hospital staff allegedly gave evasive answers and, as reported, some responses were intimidating, prompting her family to stage a protest inside the clinic premises. YouTube+3dtnext+3dtnext+3The Times of India
🔹 Hospital Supplies Audit & Official Response
Shortly after the protest, Corporation Assistant Health Officer Kalaiselvan inspected the stocks. He found additional expired glucose packets and issued warnings against negligence, ordering all expired supplies seized and destroyed immediately. dtnext
Health department officials have launched a formal inquiry to investigate how expired medical supplies were issued to patients.
🔹 Patient Safety Compromised
Banumathi’s relatives expressed outrage over the hospital’s failure to maintain safety standards. They emphasized that pregnant women are especially vulnerable and must be treated with utmost care. Many questioned how such expired packets were approved for distribution. The protest reflects broader concerns over quality control in public healthcare facilities. dtnext
🔹 Risk of Expired Medical Supplies
Expired glucose solution can cause serious health complications, especially in pregnant women requiring accurate diagnostics or nutrition supplementation. Such incidents undermine trust in public healthcare delivery and underscore the need for regular audits of drug storage and expiry compliance.
🔹 Public Health Department Actions
Tirupur health officials confirmed that the expired glucose packets were immediately removed from circulation. A team has been tasked to audit other supplies in the maternity ward. The department has also instructed hospital staff to follow strict protocols for expiry monitoring and safe storage.
🔹 Accountability & Repair Measures
Authorities assured that any staff found responsible for negligence—especially in supply chain or inventory management—will face disciplinary action. Barring lapses, the health department plans to organise training on stock management to prevent future incidents.
🔹 Community Concerns & Broader Implications
This incident comes amid growing scrutiny over public hospital standards in Tamil Nadu. Local activists and patient rights groups have called for greater transparency and periodic quality audits. They highlight that basic supplies like glucose, saline, and essential medicines must never be compromised
