The central team of the Union Health Ministry, after taking stock of the situation at Sishu Bhawan in Cuttack in the wake of a number of infant deaths over the past few days, has suggested various measures for improvement in the level of competence and preparedness to deal with critical cases at the health institute.
Meanwhile, two more infants died at the Sishu Bhawan on Monday, taking the death toll at the paediatrics hospital to 54 in 12 days.The deceased babies were from Delang in Puri district and Tirtol in Jagatsinghpur district.
“Among short-term measures, we have recommended mobilising more senior residents to strengthen the current team at the Institute for strict monitoring of the sick children, round the clock availability of lab facilities of emergency investigations inside the hospital and immediate appointment of lab technicians,” said Arun K Panda, Additional Secretary, Health Ministry.
Panda, who had led three-member team to the health institute, has submitted a report to the Centre on how to improve the facilities.The team also suggested appointment of radiographers and paramedical staff to manage emergencies services round the clock, ensure availability of all life support drugs and higher antibiotics free of cost.
On the direction of Union Health Minister JP Nadda, a team of required specialists will be soon sent to the state to assist in management of the critical cases of children that require urgent attention.