Health minister assures strict action against guilty

UP health minister Siddharth Nath Singh said the deaths of children at Gorakhpur’s BRD Medical College due to disruption in oxygen supply was a serious issue and an inquiry was being conducted into the episode. The minister said the allegation that the disruption took place following a dispute over payment of commission was also being probed.

UP health minister Siddharth Nath Singh on Wednesday said the deaths of children at BRD Medical College due to disruption in oxygen supply was a serious issue and an inquiry was being conducted into the episode.

The minister said the allegation that the disruption took place following a dispute over payment of commission was also being probed.

“Let the report of the inquiry, being carried out by the chief secretary, submitted. The report is likely to come in 3-4 days after which strict action will be taken against the guilty,” said Singh while replying to a query at a press conference here.

Over 30 children admitted to the 100-bed ward of the BRD Medical College died last week when liquid oxygen supply was reportedly stopped due to nonpayment of dues.

“Strict action will be taken against the guilty. People have a lot of hopes from our government and we need to improve. A team of experts from New Delhi is also studying the episode,” he said.

Singh said the principal of BRD Medical College was removed on the basis of the preliminary inquiry. The minister said the process to strengthen health establishments at the periphery had started to ensure that big centres did not get overburdened with patients.