12 babies die at govt hospital, WB CM orders probe

Twelve babies died at a state-run hospital here, triggering protests by locals and relatives, which prompted the West Bengal government to order an enquiry into it.

Superintendent of B C Roy Hospital for Children, D Pal told PTI that most of the 12 babies were either pre-mature or suffering from septicemia or low-birth weight problems. The medical institute is considered to be the largest referral paediatric hospital in the eastern region.

"Most of these babies were brought in a moribund stage," he said.

However, unconfirmed sources said 17 babies died at the hospital in the last 48 hours.

"I have come to know that the babies were brought to the hospital at the last stage and that the cause of death was not enteric disease. I have ordered a probe and asked the authorities to submit a report to me," West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who also holds the health portfolio, told reporters here.

Aggrieved over the deaths, family members and locals barged into the main building of the hospital alleging medical negligence, police said.

The agitators also blocked the hospital road and were later chased away by policemen.

The superintendent also said, "There were some disturbances in the hospital compound in the morning, but the situation is normal now."

Earlier in September 2002, there were protests in the same hospital when 14 children died of broncho-pneumonia and gastro-enteritis.
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I had a fear batting would collapse: Afridi

The World Cup semifinal loss to India continues to rankle Pakistan ODI captain Shahid Afridi, who said he always had a fear that his team's struggling batting line-up would collapse in the high-voltage match.

"I think the way we have been struggling with our batting, there should be a coach to work out with the batsmen," suggested Afridi after the team arrived in Karachi.

"I think I had a fear that our batting could collapse, our batting had been struggling from the first match to the last. I will give credit to the bowlers from the first match to the last.

"It was only due to the efforts of bowlers that the team which was going to score 300 to 350 runs was bowled out for about 250. This was a great effort by us," he added.

The Pakistan cricket team returned to a warm welcome with fans showering the players with flowers and shouting slogans in support of Afridi. Pakistan lost to India by 29 runs while chasing 261 in the World Cup semifinals.

"The Pakistan team has players from Sindh, Punjab, Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. Our only objective was to build up this team in difficult circumstances. Our only goal was to take the team to the top," said Afridi.

Afridi once again criticised Interior Minister Rehman Malik for stating that Pakistani players would be monitored for match-fixing just a day before the match against India.

"I don't think the timing was right. He telephoned me three or four times and he tried to explain things but I could not understand what he was saying as I was busy with my work. I think he made a mistake and I hope such mistakes aren't made by anyone in future," he said.
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