A fortnight after the Gorakhpur tragedy that stunned the nation, 36 children have died in last 48 hours at the same BRD Medical College, where 31 kids had lost their lives due to alleged shortage of oxygen supply.
Among 36 deaths reported on August 27 and 28, seven children died of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES), 15 in Neo-Natal Ward NICU and 14 children died of different medical reasons, claimed a senior doctor at the hospital seeking anonymity.
So far a total of 290 children, including 77 from AES, have died at the BRD Medical College since August 1 till August 28.
The hospital sources claimed that about 1,250 children, including 175 due to AES, have so far died since January this year.
The latest deaths would put a question mark on the efforts made by Chief Minister Yogi Aditynath.
After the tragedy sparked massive outrage, the Uttar Pradesh government had suspended BRD principal Dr Rajiv Mishra, who along with his wife was arrested by the STF in Kanpur on Tuesday.
Dr Kafeel Khan, who shot to limelight for saving many kids in those fateful hours, was sacked as the head of the encephalitis ward.
Insiders have told the DNA that the state government has just been on sacking spree, while making no arrangements for the replacements.
The sources say the Hospital that boasts of catering to the medical needs of about 5 crore population spread over 15 district of Eastern Uttar Pradesh, 10 districts of Bihar and bordering Nepal is being largely run by the resident doctors.
Though an expert team from Delhi did come to the BRD, but so far there is no in-house expert at the hospital.
However, there's another side to the story. Gorakhpur and the surrounding areas have been badly affected by the encephalitis infection for over a decade now.
Despite many efforts, the locals have not been able to realise the extent of the situation. A doctor on condition of anonymity told the DNA, “How will we treat these infants when they reach hospital at the last stage.”
He also said that, “the toll, if compared from the previous year, is less. Media is unnecessary making a hue and cry.”
