Probe ordered into Kashmiri kids` deaths

Admitting that 35 children died in the last fortnight at a premier hospital, the Jammu and Kashmir government said an inquiry had been ordered.

Srinagar: Admitting that 35 children died in the last fortnight at a premier hospital here, the Jammu and Kashmir government on Wednesday said an inquiry had been ordered.

Following media reports about the deaths at the GP Pant Hospital, Minister for Medical Education RS Chib said experts from the Srinagar Medical College would conduct the probe and submit a report in a week.

The minister said it would be premature to blame the doctors. "Some of the children died of encephalitis, where the normal mortality rate is 98 percent.
"We need better coordination among the hospital superintendent, deputy superintendent and unit heads. We also need to increase the number of ventilators and nursing staff," Chib said.

IANS