Thaindian News

Kolkata, Oct 27 (IANS) As one more infant died Thursday pushing the crib deaths to 12 in two days in West Bengal’s largest referral hospital for children, the hospital said this was not “unusual” as most of the babies were in critical condition.

“In the morning (Thursday) one more baby died, taking the toll to 12 in the last 48 hours. Though the figure may look absurd to the general people, to us it is a normal occurrence. Most of the babies that died were brought here in critical condition,” Dilip Kumar Paul, superintendent of the state-run B.C. Roy Children’s Hospital, said Thursday.

However, Paul added that the medical staff were working round the clock to ensure no more deaths take place.

The state health secretary has sought a detailed report on the deaths.

“A probe is on and we will be able to submit the report shortly,” said Paul.

The number of infant deaths Wednesday was 11, and the hospital maintained that the babies died as most were under six months and carried infection and a few were in critical condition.

The latest deaths come after 18 babies passed away in June in the same hospital. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee ordered a probe then, after which the doctors were given a clean chit.

The families of patients are accusing the staff of negligence and are apprehensive of more deaths.

“I am really worried for my child. After seeing so many children die, one is bound to be afraid. It’s the negligence of the staff here which has resulted in the deaths,” said a mother whose six months old baby is undergoing treatment in the hospital.