The Hindu : National : Hospital downplays death of 25 babies

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Tuesday, Nov 07, 2006
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Hospital downplays death of 25 babies

Staff Reporter

"Most victims admitted in serious condition"

KOLKATA: Authorities at the B.C. Roy Memorial Hospital for Children here sought to downplay the alarm caused by the death of 25 babies over the last four days at the hospital. They said most of the victims were admitted in a serious condition.

"On an average, there are around three to four deaths a day," said M.K. Chatterjee, superintendent. "The death rate usually peaks at some points during the year."

Endorsing the view, Health Minister Dr. Suryakanta Mishra said most of the victims were premature or undernourished and brought there from other hospitals. An inquiry was on.

Arrested

Twenty-seven persons were arrested as members of the Trinamool Congress and the Congress staged demonstrations in front of Writers' Building alleging negligence by the hospital authorities.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations were also held outside the offices of the State's Health Department. The protesters demanded the resignation of the Health Minister and the hospital superintendent. Health services in the State had collapsed, they alleged.

"We will be conducting such joint movements in the future," said Subroto Mukherjee, Congress leader.

Madan Mitra, president, Trinamool Youth Congress, said wherever there was a possibility of teaming up against the Left Front Government, his party would make common cause with the Congress.

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