The death of 325 children at Gorakhpur's BRD hospital in August and 49 newborns at Farrukhabad's Ram Manohar Lohia Government Hospital in a month sent shockwaves across the country, bringing into focus the abysmal healthcare system in the two cities of Uttar Pradesh. However, Rajasthan too is faring poorly when it comes to healthcare for children.
The Rajasthan High Court on Thursday sought a detailed report from the state government on the reported deaths of at least 85 infants at a government hospital in the state’s Banswara district.
Over 85 children have allegedly died at the government-run MG hospital in the last two months.
After taking note of media reports, the court ordered the Legal Services Authority (LSA) to conduct an enquiry. An enquiry report was, thereafter, prepared by LSA and submitted to the court.
The Chief Justice and Justice Ramchandra Singh Jhala, while initiating suo motu cognisance on Thursday, directed Additional Advocate General SS Ladrecha to submit a status report, giving information as to what the cause of death was.
The court has also ordered that it be informed about the medical facilities available at MG Hospital. The matter has been posted for hearing on 30 October.
The Rajasthan government on Monday had suspended three doctors and put five others on awaiting posting orders (APOs).
Taking suo motu cognisance of the media reports on the deaths, the National Human Rights Commission has also issued a notice to the Chief Secretary of Rajasthan, "calling for a report on the matter within four weeks". It has also asked to outline the measures which have been taken and those which have been proposed "to improve the conditions in the hospital".
Taking serious exception to the reported poor facilities and upkeep of the hospital, the Commission has observed that the negligence on the part of the hospital authorities amounts to violation of right to life of the poor victims.National Human Rights Commission press release
The commission has also cited media reports which shed light on the poor sanitation facilities as well as lack of proper consultation in the hospital.
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