With 5 more deaths, Sishu Bhavan infant toll jumps to 53

Sambad English Bureau Published On : Aug 31, 2015 at 2:23 AM

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Cuttack, Aug 31:

The infant death toll at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Post Graduate Institute of Paediatrics (SVPGIP), better known as Sishu Bhavan, in Odisha’s Cuttack city went up to 53 with five fresh deaths reported on Sunday.

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According to reports, three of the deceased infants belong to Jaraka in Jajpur district, Nimapara in Puri district, Kapilas in Dhenkanal district. The origins of the other two were being ascertained when this report was being filed.

Health minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak visited Sishu Bhavan on Sunday for the second time in four days in a desperate bid to instil a sense of urgency among doctors and other staff in the hospital about arresting the burgeoning deaths.

“Arrangements have been made for 24-hour duty by senior doctors in this hospital. The quality of treatment of children at Sishu Bhavan is not available anywhere else,” said Cuttack collector Nirmal Mishra after his visit to Sishu Bhawan on Sunday afternoon.

Meanwhile, the Central team, led by additional secretary of the Union Health and Family Welfare ministry Arun Panda and three specialist doctors, arrived at Sishu Bhavan on the second today to look into the existing infrastructure and healthcare services.

The team will submit its report to the Ministry after reviewing the existing infrastructure and available manpower.