Ensure speedy probe of women’s death, Modi to Raman Singh

New Delhi, Nov 11;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday asked Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh to ensure “thorough investigation” into the deaths of eight women who lost their lives in a state organized mass sterilization camp.

“The PM spoke to Chhattisgarh CM @drramansingh on the unfortunate tragedy in Bilaspur. The PM expressed concern over the tragedy,” said a tweet by the prime minister’s office (PMO).

“The PM has asked @drramansingh to ensure a thorough investigation & action in the entire issue,” said another tweet.

In addition to the dead, over 50 other women were hospitalized due to botched surgeries at a sterilisation camp organized by the state government in Chhattisgarh’s Bilaspur district.

Tubectomy operations were carried out on 83 women as part of an annual programme at a state-run hospital.

Four health officials including chief medical health officer of Bilaspur have been suspended.

Congress president Sonia Gandhi also expressed “deep shock and grief” over the incident.

She conveyed her condolences to family members of those who lost their near ones and prayed for recovery of those undergoing treatment, the Congress’ twitter handle said.

Meanwhile, the union health ministry also sought a report from the Chattisgarh government on the deaths.

Newly-appointed Ayush (ayurveda, yoga and naturopathy, unani, siddha and homeopathy) Minister Shripad Naik told the media: “These sort of incidents are not good for us. As soon as the report comes, we will take action to ensure such incidents do not happen again.”

He was speaking to reporters after taking charge of his ministry.

Sources in the health ministry said that a preliminary report arrived from the Chhattisgarh government Tuesday morning and a second report was sought after that.

(IANS)