In a similar incident, 18 deaths were reported at the Thane-based government-run hospital in August this year. The latest development has resulted in strong political reactions, with opposition parties blaming the state government for failing to maintain the supply of essential medicines.
Medical authorities maintained that as on date, 70 patients are critical and currently battling for their lives in GMCH, Nanded.
Learning about the incident, former chief minister Ashok Chavan, district collector Abhijit Raut rushed to the hospital and reviewed the situation.
Hospital superintendent Dr SR Wakode, while confirming the incident, told TOI, “Out of the 12 newborn babies that succumbed included six females. Eight of these babies succumbed within zero to three days of birth, while four were referred in critical condition to GMCH, Nanded from private hospitals including from neighbouring districts.”
Wakode said that on an average, number of people succumbing during treatment at this hospital ranges from 10 to 12.
He said that due to recent transfers of the staff, there was some problem, but “we ensured that does not affect health services to the patients.”
On being asked about the allegations related to lack of essential and lifesaving medicines at the hospital, he said, “Some medicines were supposed to be purchased from Haffkine Institute but it did not happen, due to which there was some problem. The sanctioned budget for medicines too falls short due to heavy flow of patients from neighbouring districts including the ones in area bordering Telangana. We always ensure that a patient does not lose his life for lack of essential medicines at our hospital. In such situations we purchase medicines from local budget. We cannot deny that sometimes, there may be shortage of medicines for non-serious ailments.”
According to the obtained stats, out of the 12 adults, who have succumbed during these 24 hours, four have died of heart attack, one of food poisoning, two of kidney failure, one woman due to complications resulting during delivery, three were seriously injured from accidents, and one from stomach ailment. The incident of 24 deaths has resulted into strong political reaction.