Srinagar, May 18: Terming the condition at GP Pant Hospital as “grave”, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Friday assured that the government won’t allow further deterioration of the situation.
The Chief Minister today visited the hospital, where 368 kids have died since January 1 this year, allegedly due to negligence and inadequate facilities.
“My office and myself had to step in because of the gravity of the situation,” the chief minister said and added that the levels of cleanliness are extremely poor inside the hospital and greater discipline is needed with respect to the presence of attendants accompanying the patients.
“There is enormous scope for improvement at the Valley’s lone pediatric healthcare facility.
He, however, promised that within 10 days “you will see visible improvement not only in respect of the appearance, but in the overall functioning”. Based on the preliminary report of the one-man inquiry ordered into the affairs of the hospital, the state government Thursday ordered the hospital's medical superintendent to be shifted out.
“There has been lack of necessary equipment, staff and even lack of coordination at the administrative level in the hospital,” Health and Medical Education Secretary MK Dwivedi told reporters Thursday.
Official sources said 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. Chief Minister, during his visit to the hospital today, said the government has already taken decisions regarding administration, staffing, equipment, sanitation, hygiene and other aspects relating to the improvement in the functioning of the institute.
Chief Minister said necessary checks have been put in place for the monitoring of the hospital and the Director SKIMS would continue to visit this hospital and monitor its functioning.
He said the government would not allow any further deterioration in the situation.

CM DISCUSSES ISSUE WITH CIVIL SOCIETY
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister discussed the issue with Civil Society Forum here this evening.
The meeting was attended by Political Advisor to the Chief Minister, Devender Singh Rana, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, B B Vyas, Secretary Health and Medical Education, M K Dewidi and the representatives of the Civil Society Forum.
Giving details of the measures taken by the Health and Medical Education Department under the directions of the Chief Minister to augment infrastructure and improve functioning of the health institutions, Secretary Health and Medical Education said that sanction has been granted to the engagement of 265 staff comprising 150 Junior Grade Nurses, 15 ANMs, 25 Junior Pharmacists, 10 X-ray-Dark Room Assistants, 15 Theatre Assistants and 50 Anesthesia Assistants on academic arrangement basis to make up the deficiencies of the paramedical staff and to further improve the patient-care in the Government Medical Colleges and its Associated Hospitals with special focus on G B Pant Children Hospital, Srinagar.
Dewidi said that under the directions of the Chief Minister the department has already initiated the process of formulation of DPR for the construction of new 200-bedded paediatric hospital at Srinagar and Minister for Medical Education, RS Chib is keenly monitoring the progress on this proposal. He said that the land has been identified for the hospital at Dewan Bagh.
Meanwhile, the Minister for Medical Education, R S Chib today chaired a meeting of the doctors and officers of Medical Education Department at G B Pant Children Hospital in which Brig Roy and Commandant 192 Base Hospital Srinagar Cantonment were also present.
The meeting discussed various aspects of improvement and upgradation of G B Pant Children Hospital and making its service befitting and up to the mark.
Chib said that members of Civil Society will be co-opted in the Management Committee which will meet on 22nd of this month to discuss the process of improvement and upgradation of GB Pant Children Hospital.

Lastupdate on : Fri, 18 May 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 18 May 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sat, 19 May 2012 00:00:00 IST