Chhattisgarh sterilisation tragedy: UN expresses concern

, Nov 12: The United Nations (UN) has expressed concern over the deaths of 11 women in a futile

programme in a government camp in Bilaspur in

on November 8. Over thirty women were also left in a critical state following the surgery.

According to news agency Reuters, deputy executive director of UN Population Fund Kate Gilmore said if the facts were confirmed, then one must understand that something grave had occurred. She also said that deviation from clinical norms would lead to consequences.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed concern over the tragedy and asked Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh to ensure a thorough probe and action in the entire issue.

The PM has asked @drramansingh to ensure a thorough investigation & action in the entire issue.

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) November 11, 2014

One of the suspended officials said that government sterilisation programmes have specific targets to meet. The daily target is 40, one of them said. Eighty-three women were operated upon within five years, allegedly with infected surgical equipment. All the surgeries failed, it was said.

The Opposition Congress called a state-wide strike on Wednesday to protest against the tragedy. Chief Minister Singh had increased the compensation for the families of each of the deceased to Rs 4 lakh. Four officials were suspended after the debacle.

Oneindia News