The death of at least 30 patients, including 16 newborns, at a government hospital in the Nanded district of Maharashtra in 24 hours has sparked controversy and prompted the state government to set up an expert committee to investigate the tragedy.
Seven patients, including four children, died late on Monday night at Shankarrao Chavan Government Hospital.
Fatalities Until Monday: 24 Dead, Including 12 Infants
On Monday, the hospital said in a statement that out of 24 patients, 12 of the adult patients who died included four cases of heart disease, one case of poisoning, one case of disease, two cases of kidney disease, one case of obstetric complications and three acute admissions. Among the 12 infant fatalities, four had been in a terminal stage and were referred from private hospitals.
“Although our capacity is 600 beds, we have more than 800 patients admitted at present. We are the sole tertiary-care hospital in the district and we often receive patients in critical condition,” daily newspaper, the Indian Express quoted a doctor who works at the hospital as saying.
Preliminary media reports suggest that the hospital had inadequate staff and resources, including medicine.
Maharashtra state government on Monday formed a three-member expert panel to examine the incident and the report will be submitted today by 13.00 IST (7.30 GMT).
“The situation in the hospital is worrying… Payment for critical equipment, such as the CT-scan and others, is pending. At present, 70 patients are in critical condition,” former state chief and senior Congress politician Ashok Chavan said.
He also demanded immediate action to save 70 seriously ill patients.
Taking to Twitter, former leader of Congress Rahul Gandhi said: “The news of the death of 24 people, including 12 newly born babies, in a government hospital in Nanded is extremely sad. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.”
Maharashtra state chief Eknath Shinde said that he will seek more information about the deaths and appropriate action will be taken. Media reports said that the tragedy will also be discussed in the state cabinet, which will be held on Tuesday.