NHRC seeks report on death of kids in AP hospital

Alarmed at the death of nearly 700 children in an Andhra Pradesh hospital in the past seven months, the NHRC has sought a report from the state government on alleged shortage of staff and infrastructure there.

Taking cognisance of the reports that 691 children have died due to alleged lack of infrastructure and shortage of staff in SVR Ruia Government General hospital in Tirupati, the rights body has asked the Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary to file its reply within six weeks, an NHRC statement said.

The hospital caters to the poor families from nearby rural areas.

Terming it as a violation of ‘Rights of the Children’, the National Human Rights Commission said if the report is true then it is a serious issue.

According to reports, there are only 12 doctors against the required strength of 30 in the hospital’s pediatrics department.

“All the doctors work at S V Medical College attached to Ruia hospital and a majority of them are entrusted with the additional responsibilities including, among others, inspection of private medical colleges and invigilation at exams,” the statement said.

It has further been alleged that there is also shortage of nurses and other technicians at the hospital.