Odisha: 4 more crib deaths, minister visits paediatric hospital

Cuttack, Aug 30: Odisha Health minister Atanu Sabyasachi Naik on Sunday night made a surprise visit to 'Sishu Bhawan' paediatric hospital here where 51 infants died in past 10 days.

With four more crib deaths reported from the hospital today, the infant mortality toll in the referral children's hospital shot up to 51 in the past 10 days, a senior official of the hospital said.

Upset with the turn of events, angry parents of the children, including those under treatment, accosted Naik for narrating their woes before visiting media persons.

However, as the minister left the spot soon, the parents blamed Naik of not listening to their grievances and leaving in a huff.

When contacted the hospital official refused to comment on the guardians' complaint. The official further stated that seven senior residents from SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack joined today to help the paediatric staff here to cope with the situation.

PTI