Srinagar, June 14: The preliminary report submitted by the GB Pant Hospital authorities has said that infant deaths occurred in the institute due to lack of coordination between Cantonment Board and civil administration, poor sanitation and shortage of ICUs.
This was disclosed by a member of the Legislative Assembly panel and senior National Conference leader Mustafa Kamaal. The House panel, constituted to probe the deaths, met here on Thursday. “The preliminary report submitted by the hospital authorities says that the deaths have occurred due to the absence of important machines and infection,” Kamaal told Greater Kashmir. “Over-use of certain items, faulty disposal system and poor sanitation are among the reasons for deaths,” he said.
The panel member said “areas of fault” have been identified and once hospital authorities submit the final report, House panel will visit the hospital. “Not only GB Pant but we will visit all the hospitals to take first-hand cognizance of healthcare system here,” Kamaal said.
“There has been lot of mismanagement in the hospital with Cantonment Board being equally responsible for what has happened. Also the working attitude has been ineffective. Had there been coordination between Cantonment Board and civil administration such mess would not have occurred,” he said.
He said the House panel was not satisfied with the justifications given by the hospital authorities over the deaths. “When the foundation stone of the hospital was laid a memorandum of understanding was signed between Cantonment Board and civil administration but the Army is nowhere in picture for what has happened in the hospital over years. This kind of working should be reviewed,” Kamaal said.
“Since the Deputy Superintendent has been from Cantonment Board there has been less coordination between him and civil administrators,” he said.
Kamaal said every party provided his side of the story in the meeting. He said principals of government medical colleges of Jammu and Srinagar were also present.
Commissioner Secretary Health, Inquiry Officer Dr Muneer Masoodi and Director Health (both divisions) also attended the meeting. “We have asked all of them to give recommendations,” he said.
The panel would meet again on June 26. “Hospital authorities have already been asked to submit a detailed report on the deaths. We will call them again if required,” the member said.

Lastupdate on : Thu, 14 Jun 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 14 Jun 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 15 Jun 2012 00:00:00 IST