KOLKATA: Blaming the previous Left Front Government for healthcare negligence, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday said most of the 37 infants, who died last week in two Government hospitals, were underweight and had been suffering from malnutrition.
” I have come to know that most of these babies were underweight and suffering from malnutrition. 30 babies died. It is sad, ” she said at a Trinamool Congress party meeting at the Netaji Indoor stadium.
The state Government had earlier given a clean chit to the authorities of both B C Roy Children’s Hospital and Burdwan Medical College and Hospital on the serial deaths that created a flutter in society.
Ms Banerjee, who herself holds the Health portfolio, said even the death of a single infant was shocking and alleged that the previous Left Front Government was responsible for precipitating the healthcare.
She also alleged that the previous Government siphoned off funds for treatment of AIDS.
The Chief Minister said after assuming charge she had released Rs 1,200 crore for rural healthcare.
”I took the initiative to add 37 ICU beds and 3,000 beds in hospitals and we have many plans to upgrade the health system,” she said.
Ms Banerjee also informed that during the 12th plan, the state government would set up some hospitals, which would take care of the needy. (UNI)