Srinagar, June 13: One more infant died at the G B Pant hospital here on Wednesday, leading to protests by grieved family members.
 According to the family the new born baby was shifted to G B Pant hospital from Bijbehara Sub-District Hospital on June 11 where he died allegedly due to the lack of specialized facility at the institute.
 “After remaining on the ventilator in NICU ward for two days, the baby finally gave in to birth asphyxia this morning,” a doctor official wishing anonymity said.
 Soon after the death, scores of attendants took to the streets outside the hospital at high-security army cantonment area at Sonawar here, blocking the highway in protest against the death and shouting slogans against the hospital administration.
 The separatist leader Altaf Andrabi who was on the spot said: “I have spent many years in jail. Ventilation in jails is better than this hospital. If we are able to save the children from infection this poor ventilation will certainly kill them.”
 Traffic was suspended for some time, but was restored after protesters dispersed off peacefully.
 Over 1400 children deaths have been reported in the hospital since January last year.
 In May, authorities had removed Medical Superintendent of the hospital over the deaths, besides ordering a probe into the matter by one-man commission.
 Meanwhile, Minister for Medical Education, Youth Services and Sports R S Chib today directed the hospital administration of G B Pant Hospital to provide specialized treatment to the children suffering from various ailments round the clock ensuring adequate treatment through latest equipments with special care in respect of hygiene and health, an official spokesman said.

Lastupdate on : Wed, 13 Jun 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Wed, 13 Jun 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Thu, 14 Jun 2012 00:00:00 IST