Eight Women Die, 15 Critical After Sterilisation Camp in Chhattisgarh

Mangalore Today News Network

Bilaspur, Nov 11, 2014: Eight women have died and over 15 are in serious condition after sterilization surgery at a camp organized by the Chhattisgarh government in Bilaspur, the home district of state Health Minister Amar Agarwal.

These women had surgeries  on Saturday as part of an annual "family planning" camp, and on Monday, they reportedly started complaining of pain and fever. By evening, eight had died.

Over 80 women were reportedly operated upon in five hours, at the government-run Nemi Chand hospital in the Pendari area of Bilaspur, about 110 km from state capital Raipur.

Health officials have denied any negligence but some admit off the record that too many surgeries may have been performed in one day in a rush to meet targets.

The government has set up a three-member panel to investigate.

These camps are held between October and February and women who go through the surgery are reportedly given Rs. 1,400.

Senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh tweeted, "8 people die in a Sterilisation Camp in Chattisgarh. Govt must take a stern action against them. Can’t imagine how could this happen? And that too in Health Minister’s Constituency ! He must resign."

The government has announced Rs. 2 lakh for the families of the women who died and Rs. 50,000 for the others who are in hospital.

 

Courtesy: NDTV