Click to play videoThiruvananthapuram: It took the death of 38 newborn babies at Sree Avittam Tirunal Hospital in Thiruvanathapuram to bring the authorities to book.
Kerala Health Minister PK Sreemathi is now being charged with culpable homicide. The charge against the minister and seven others, including two doctors, came after a court directive.
"We have registered a case against seven people on the direction of the magistrate's court under Section 304. The investigations are at a preliminary stage," K Padmakumar, police commissioner, says.
The babies died in the overcrowded hospital after contracting bacterial infections. With one nurse for every 20 babies, the hospital wards were allegedly cleaned only once a day.
"Considering that parents spend so much time on their children, it's really sad if they lose them and I think its right if they file a case in this matter," says Shyamala, a mother.
The issue has also become a political hot potato. The Opposition Congress is seeking the resignation of the state Health Minister, PK Sreemathi, but the minister has turned it down.
"There is no question of my resignation. Also, we are going to increase the infrastructure at the hospital," P Shreemati, Health Minister, claims.
The state government, on its part, has cleared an additional Rs 1 crore to introduce better facilities at the hospital. The hospital authorities have said they will hold awareness classes for the cleaning staff and the patients on infection prevention precautions.
They have also decided to hire 22 retired nursing assistants and 25 cleaning staff. But for the parents, the steps have come much too late.
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