Odisha Govt admits administrative lapses at Sishu Bhavan

Admitting administrative "shortcomings" at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Post Graduate Institute of Paediatrics (SVPPGIP) in Cuttack after a series of infant deaths, the Odisha government today transfered its superintendent and two other senior doctors.
The move was based on the inquiry report of the DMET (Director, Medical Education and Training), which probed into the causes of crib deaths at SVPPGIP, popularly known as Sishu Bhavan, health department officials said.
As many as 62 infants died at Sishu Bhavan within a span of 15 days in August this year.
"The DMET report found no clinical negligence at Sishu Bhavan. However, it highlighted shortcomings in the management of the intensive care unit and duty chart," Arati Ahuja, secretary of health and family welfare department, told reporters here today.

Besides administrative negligence, Ahuja pointed out that the report said most of the casualties took place in case of new born infants.
"The patients were brought to Sishu Bhavan from far away places like Mayurbhanj, Balangir and above 100 km from Cuttack. Many of them were brought in the most critical stage," Ahuja said.

"We are examining the DMET report. More actions may be taken against anyone if found guilty," Ahuja said.
While shifting SVPPGIP superintendent Niranjan Mohanty to MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur, the state government also transfered two other senior doctors from Sishu Bhavan.
Ahuja said the state government has decided to strengthen Paediatrics ICUs at three state-run medical college hospitals, Capital Hospital here and Ispat General Hospital at Rourkela.

This apart, the government would soon formulate referral protocol in a bid to reduce burden on Sishu Bhavan, which presently receives about 450 patients every day, Ahuja said.
"A Master plan will soon be prepared for development of Paediatrics wards, ICUs and other facilities at different places," Ahuja added.