Opposition Cites Odisha CM's Indifference Over the Death of 52 Infants

Sishu Bhawan in Odisha has reported 52 infant deaths in the past two weeks. Opposition parties in Odisha accused Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for not visiting Sishu Bhawan even after these infant deaths.

Holding the state government responsible for the rising deaths of infants, Pradesh Congress Committee president Prasad Harichandan said, "The chief minister is busy in unveiling plaques while infants are dying every day due to the negligence of the administration. It shows the chief minister's casual and indifferent approach towards dealing with the problem." Alleging that no concrete step was taken by the government to tackle the situation, Harichandan demanded the resignation of the health minister.

Minister Pradhan Seeks J. P. Nadda's Intervention on Infant Deaths in Odisha
The team may also suggest steps to be taken for improving infrastructure and other facilities for the benefit of improving health care facility in the hospital.

Utkal Bharat Party president Kharabela Swain said, "That the issues of doctor scarcity and activation of defunct machinery at the premier pediatric institute should be addressed soon. The media should not to spread panic among the people bringing their patients to the health institution."

The state BJP staged a sit-in at all 314 blocks in the state on September 2, 2015, to protest the government's failure to provide adequate health facilities to the infants, resulting in a spate of deaths.

Source-IANS

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A Central team visited Shishu Bhavan to assess the situation, and to help the state government and also to strengthen the entire service delivery system.