Raipur: Taking a serious note of the shocking case of medical negligence in Chhattisgarh where at least eleven women died and 49 others were hospitalised
after botched sterilisation procedure at a state-run camp in Bilaspur district, the Union Health Ministry on Tuesday constituted a five-member panel to probe the case.
The state health department has also formed a three-member panel to inquire into the tragedy even as four health officials, including chief medical health officer of Bilaspur, have been suspended by the state government. The police have registered FIR against them.
A team of doctors from AIIMS has left for Bilaspur to attend the victims of the sterilisation tragedy. According to Health Ministry officials, the government of Chattisgarh has made a request to send a team of AIIMS doctors.
The sterilisation camp was held in the home district of state Health Minister Amar Agarwal on Saturday. Organised under the family planning programme and as part of efforts to ensure maximum participation, each woman undergoing operation was to get Rs 1400 and the health worker bringing them to the camp was to get Rs 200 per case.
Meanwhile, expressing concern over the tragedy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today asked Chief Minister Raman Singh to ensure a thorough investigation and action against those responsible.
Earlier, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh had expressed anguish over the incident. He also visited the victims who were undergoing treatment at the Apollo hospital here.
Addressing the media, the Chhattisgarh CM said, "The culprit doctor has been suspended and a case of criminal offence has been filed against him."
Instructed for suspension of 4 officials & to register FIR against Dr R.K Gupta. Strict action will be taken against those found guilty(2/3)
— Dr Raman Singh (@drramansingh) November 11, 2014
The Health Department has decided to provide Rs 4 Lakh to deceased women's family and medical assistance along with Rs 50,000 to all patients.
नसबंदी शिविर हादसे को संज्ञान में लेते हुए मुख्यमंत्री @drramansingh बिलासपुर पहुंचे। उन्होंने अपोलो हॉस्पिटल में पीड़ितों से मुलाकात की।
— CMO Chhattisgarh (@ChhattisgarhCMO) November 11, 2014
Speaking to the media, Bilsapur Collector Sonmani Vora confirmed that CM Raman Singh has ordered a probe into the unfortunate incident.
At least 85 women were operated upon at the government-run Nemi Chand hospital in the Pendari area of Bilaspur as part of a family planning camp. Many of them later started complaining of pain and fever.
"Around 55 women are in trouble. The CM has also ordered inquiry, one medical team has departed from Raipur, and the medical director is also coming. According to my information total 85 operations were conducted, and further probe will be carried based on the investigation report," Vora said.
Reacting to the incident, Congress president Sonia Gandhi and party vice president Rahul Gandhi conveyed their condolences to family members of those who lost their near ones and prayed for recovery of those undergoing treatment.
Rahul demanded Chhattisgarh government to take strict action against guilty and ensure best possible treatment for those in critical condition.
Congress leader and party general secretary Digvijay Singh demanded strict action against negligent officers. Singh targeted state Health Minister Agarwal and demanded his resignation.
8 people die in a Sterilisation Camp in Chattisgarh. Govt must take a stern action against them. Can't imagine how could this happen ?
— digvijaya singh (@digvijaya_28) November 11, 2014
And that too in Health Minister's Constituency ! He must resign.
— digvijaya singh (@digvijaya_28) November 11, 2014
(With Agency inputs)
