WB infants death in govt hosp : Doctors keeping close watch

Kolkata, July 1: Doctors were today keeping a close watch on the condition of children at a premier state-run hospital where 18 babies died in the last two days triggering large-scale protests and demonstrations.

"We are keeping a tab on the situation. Generally, one to four babies die at the hospital regularly as many of them are brought in very serious condition," hospital sources said.

"There has been no death since last night", they said.

The high number of deaths since Tuesday was due to a large number of critical children brought to the hospital from remote places including flood-affected areas, the sources said.

A report would be submitted to the Director of Medical Education by the hospital authorities, apart from the two-member inquiry committee appointed by the West Bengal government which is investigating the deaths of 18 babies in 48 hours.

Dr B C Roy Children's Hospital is the largest paediatric referral hospital in the eastern region.

Following the deaths of the babies, aggrieved family members and local people forcibly entered the hospital''s main building yesterday and blocked the road in front of the facility.

PTI