Bilaspur tragedy: Initial reports point towards negligence by doctor, says Chhattisgarh Health Minister

Chhattisgarh Health Minister Amar Agarwal on Wednesday said that he has ordered a thorough investigation into the Bilaspur tragedy, adding that initial reports are pointing towards negligence on the side of the doctor.

"Initial reports are pointing towards negligence by the doctor in question. With that in mind, we have ordered a thorough investigation into the incident and have filed a criminal case against the doctor," Agarwal told ANI.

"We have also suspended the chief medical officer (CMO), the block medical officer (BMO) and have formed a committee to look into the matter. We shall take action according to whatever report is filed by the committee," he added.

Agarwal further bemoaned the fact that the rules for carrying out sterilization programmes had been flouted, adding that the state government has at present prioritized the recuperation of those affected.

"These programmes are routine and there are certain protocols and rules that we have formulated. These operations seemed to have flouted those rules. It is a matter of concern that despite the regulations that are in place, scant attention is paid to them," he said.

"At present, 11 women have already died and several others are grievously unwell, and I feel our priority is to ensure that they get better," Agarwal added.

A mass sterilization at a camp organized by the state government in Bilaspur resulted in the death of 12 women, with a further 30 others left critical. The government has ordered an investigation into the incident and announced a compensation of Rs. two lakh each for the next of kin of the deceased.