Almost a year after the Gorakhpur tragedy at Baba Raghav Das (BRD) Medical College where several children died allegedly due to disruption in the supply of oxygen, there are fresh reports of another tragedy at a government hospital in Uttar Pradesh. In more than 50 days, over 70 children have lost their lives at a district hospital in Bahraich district of Uttar Pradesh, allegedly due to a mysterious fever. Confirming the incident, medical superintendent of Bahraich hospital, Dr DK Singh has issued a statement saying that from August till September 17, some 2,158 children were admitted in the hospital. Out of which, more than 70 children have lost their life. He also added that the children were suffering from various diseases due to which they have died.

While speaking to The Times of India, Dr AK Pandey, chief medical officer, said, “Four main problems, including birth asphyxia, meningitis, acute encephalitis syndrome and septicaemia caused over 90 per cent of these deaths.”

Lacking infrastructure

While talking about the infrastructure of the hospital, Dr Singh said that the Bahraich district hospital has only 200 beds, but currently, more than 450 patients are being treated at the hospital. “However, the authorities are doing their best to save the lives of as many as possible,” the officer added.

71 children have died in past 45 days at a district hospital in Bahraich. Medical superintendent says ‘children have died due to various diseases. We’ve 200 beds but currently 450 patients are admitted here. We’re trying our best to save as many lives we can.’ (20.09.18) pic.twitter.com/W20n5jCIER

— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) September 20, 2018

According to the NewsX, the government official said that medical teams in the several districts have been put on alert. The Uttar Pradesh government released a press release of the regions affected. The affected districts are Bareilly and Budaun in western Uttar Pradesh, followed by Hardoi, Sitapur, Bahraich and Shahjahanpur – which are close to state capital Lucknow.

Ruckus at the hospital

On Saturday, as soon as the news of “mysterious fever” broke out, Dr Kafeel Khan along with his driver and other aide reached Bahraich district hospital. Dr Kafeel reportedly started asking questions to the patients about the treatment being given to them. Later he allegedly argued with the doctor and the medical staff after which chief medical superintendent Dr DK Singh called the police, and he (Dr Kafeel) was taken into custody, as reported by Hindustan Times.

According to Dr Kafeel, the children died of encephalitis, said Dr Kafeel’s elder brother Adeel Khan. He further added that he (Dr Kafeel) was going to address the press when the arrest took place.

Dr Kafeel was arrested under the section 151of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) but was later released with a warning that stricter action would be taken against him if tried to disrupt peace in the district.

The Logical Indian take

Time and again, the UP Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath has made several promises of upgrading the hospital facilities in the state. Last year, the CM Yogi said that six AIIMS like hospitals and 25 medical colleges will be started in Uttar Pradesh in next five years. He also said that health facilities should reach to the end person in the queue.

This case again highlights the tragic disparity between what is promised and what is actually executed. The Logical Indian hopes that concerned authorities take appropriate action and the government sees to it that such incidents do not take place.

Also Read: RTI Response Proves There Was Oxygen Shortage In BRD Hospital, Dr Kafeel Khan Arranged For Cylinders