Kashmir hospital chief removed over 368 kids' deaths

Srinagar, May 17 (IANS) The Jammu and Kashmir government Thursday removed the medical superintendent of G.B. Pant Hospital in Srinagar where 368 children have died since Jan 1 this year.

Health and Medical Education Secretary M.K. Dwivedi told reporters here: 'Doctor Skowkat Ali Zargar, director of Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), discussed his preliminary findings into the neo-natal deaths of children in G.B. Pant Hospital with me today.'

'Based on his preliminary findings, it is revealed that there has been lack of necessary equipment, staff and even lack of coordination at the administrative level in the hospital.'

The government ordered the immediate attachment of the hospital's medical superintendent with the Srinagar Medical College till the one-man enquiry completed its probe.

The officer confirmed that there had been 68 children's deaths in the hospital in January, 66 in February, 105 in March, 85 in April and 44 up to May 15 this year.

Media reports had raised an alarm over the deaths of children in the hospital. The deaths were confirmed by Minister for Medical Education R.S. Chib.

Earlier in the day, Independent legislator Engineer Rashid held a protest outside the hospital blaming doctors for what he called 'mass murder of children'.

The legislator also lodged an police complaint against the doctors of the hospital.