Kota Death Toll Reaches 102

In the last 72 hours, 11 infants have died at the JK Lon hospital in Rajasthan’s Kota. The death toll now stands at 102 since the beginning of December.

Union Health Minister Harshvardhan on Thursday acknowledged the crisis and said, “I have written a letter to Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot requesting him to look into the matter.”

77 children had died in December 2018. The main reason cited is low birth weight.

Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot is under fire from the opposition and has assured in a series of tweets that his government is sensitive to the death of sick infants.

“Infant mortality in this hospital of Kota is steadily decreasing. We will try to reduce it further. The health of mothers and children is our top priority,” he tweeted.

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights on Monday, however, found serious lapses at the hospital in Kota. Shortage of staff, pigs roaming around, broken windows, etc were observed.

The state government-led enquiry had given the hospital a clean chit. A central government-appointed team might visit the hospital soon.