AMN
The National Human Rights Commission has issued a notice to the Government of Maharashtra over the reported high number of deaths at the Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) in Akola district Women Hospital.
The 4,170 infants had to be admitted to the SNCU out of them 1,472 died in 2016-17. The Medical Superintendent has reportedly stated that every month, they admit at least 250 babies in the SNCU and there is a need for more hands to cope up with the high number of patients.
The Commission has sought a detailed report from the Chief Secretary in the matter and the steps being taken and also proposed to be taken to deal with the gruesome situation within six weeks.
The Commission observed that if media report is correct, it clearly indicates towards shortage of doctors, nurses and other staff at the government hospital.
The deaths of the newly born babies in such a large number, is also indicative of gross negligence on the part of the state government, hospital management and the concerned departments.
These amount to serious issue of violation of human rights of the innocent babies as wells as their families and demands immediate time-bound action by the State Government.