'Least In 5 Years': Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot On Infant Deaths In Kota

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has said that the number of infant deaths in Rajasthan has been declining and this year’s figure is the lowest in the past five to six years. "The number of infant deaths in the state is the least now as compared to the last 5-6 years. The situation has been improving for many years. Excellent medical arrangements are available in the hospitals," Chief Minister Gehlot told reporters.

The Rajasthan CM also tried to play down the reports that hospitals in Kota are not well equipped saying that every hospital lacks some facility, be it in the state or across India. “People and media are free to criticise it as it helps the government to improve,” Gehlot said.

Meanwhile, BSP chief Mayawati has demanded that Gehlot be sacked in the wake of the death of over 100 infants in a government-run hospital in Kota. The former UP chief minister charged that Gehlot was making political statements that were irresponsible and unsympathetic.

"This is highly shameful," Mayawati said in a tweet. She demanded that Gehlot be dismissed and replaced by a new dispensation otherwise more women will lose their children.

At least 105 infants have died at a government-run hospital in Kota in the past month.

Meanwhile, a committee constituted by the Rajasthan government has stated that the deaths were taking place due to a lack of oxygen pipelines in the hospital and also because of extreme cold conditions.

It also pointed towards an increased referral of critical cases and stated that the number of beds in the hospital was less than the flow of patients. The situation at the ICUs was also similar, the committee said.

"I informed @ashokgehlot51 ji that Rs 91.7 lakhs has already been advanced to JK Loan Hospital during 2019-20 under National Health Mission. Kota District alone has an annual allocation of Rs 27.45 Cr for '19-20, from the annual budgeted amount of Rs 1788.97 Cr for Rajasthan state (sic)," Vardhan said in another tweet.