The Center has constituted a committee to probe into the incident in which ten women died after sterilization surgeries in government health camp at Bilaspur district of Chhattisgarh. Talking to reporters after assuming charge as Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare in New Delhi today, Shripad Naik said, the committee will submit the report to the Ministry after completing the probe.
Ten women have died so far in the incident after botched sterilization surgeries at a government health camp. This camp was organized in Pendari village of Takhatpur block in Bilaspur district last Saturday as a part of family planning programme. More than 50 women are undergoing treatment in four different hospitals of Bilaspur. Condition of 10 women were reported to be critical.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today expressed concern over the tragedy in Chhattisgarh. Mr Modi also spoke to Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Dr Raman Singh on the issue. Political Parties have expressed anger over the incident. Both Congress and CPI(M) said the State Health Minister Amar Agarwal should shoulder the responsibility and step down. Congress Spokesperson Shobha Oza said, the incident shows the substandard health facilities in Chhattisgarh which Prime Minister had described as a model state. She demanded that the state Health Minister Amar Agrawal be dismissed. CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat sought Mr. Agarwal’s resignation saying suspension of Doctors involved in the incident is insufficient.
Taking a serious note of the shocking case of medical negligence, Chhattisgarh government has suspended four health officials in connection to Bilaspur tragedy. Those removed include, state coordinator for family welfare programme, chief medical officer of Bilaspur district, block medical officer of Takhatpur and the surgeon who performed the operations. Besides, Director Health services of the state has also been removed.
Chief Minister Raman Singh instructed to register a FIR against the surgeon who performed the operations. High level inquiry has been initiated. He said that strict action will be taken those who found guilty. The government has announced Rs. 4 lakh each to the next kin of those who died in this incident. Government will also provide Rs. 50 thousand each and free medical treatment to the affected women whose condition is critical. Meanwhile, opposition congress has called for a state wide band tomorrow protesting against the incident.
The Congress has demanded a judicial probe into the incident in Chhattisgarh. It also demanded that the state Health Minister Amar Agrawal be dismissed. Talking to media party spokesperson Shobha Oza alleged that the state government is insensitive to the people especially poor and women.
