Story Highlights:

  • Power Failure in SNCU ward
  • Four infants died
  • Probe ordered due to negligence on the hospital’s part

Surguja, Chhattisgarh: In Chhattisgarh, the death of 4 children in a government hospital in the Surguja district has stirred the nation. The children were admitted to the Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) when they died. There was a power failure at the hospital on Sunday night. This morning, it was learned that the 4 children have lost their lives in the SNCU ward. The relatives of the children have made serious allegations regarding the whole matter.

Surguja collector Kundan Kumar said, “The death of four infants took place on the intervening night of Sunday and Monday. We talked to all the people including the doctor on duty and it’s very clear that the electricity fluctuation didn’t cause interruptions in the functioning of the ventilator.” Pertaining to this, the management said that the electricity connection was restored within half an hour and that the condition of the four children was already critical. 

On the other hand, the family members got angry after hearing the news. The relatives started saying that the children have lost their lives due to the power cut. At the same time, the hospital management admitted that “the electricity was definitely turned off for some time, but the ventilator and oxygen support was on” during that time.

As soon as the news came out, all the officers including the dean of the hospital Ramnesh Murthy, Collector Kundan Kumar and CMHO PS Sisodia reached the spot. The statement of Health Minister TS Singh Deo has also come to the fore in this matter. 

“After learning about the death of four infants in Ambikapur Medical College Hospital, I have asked the health secretary to constitute a probe team and send it to the spot for an enquiry. I have also apprised Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel. We will go to the spot and get information. Will also talk to family members. Strict action will be taken if needed”, Singy Deo said regarding the matter.

The Governor of the state, Anusuiya uikey also expressed grief on the matter and offered full support in the investigation. The Surguja collector informed that the medical reports of the dececsed infants will be released soon.