India : a doctor put in question after the death of 60 babies

Rajesh Kumar Singh/AP/SIPA

Published the 03.09.2017 at 16h27

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Dr. Kafael Khan, a doctor at the public hospital in Gorakhpur, in northern India, was arrested Saturday at his parents-in-law, where he was hiding. The police has tracked down his electronic devices. The responsibility of the physician is involved in the deaths of at least 60 babies this summer.

Dr. Khan has joined the six other defendants, including the hospital director and his wife, in this case, which has rocked India during the month of July. In 48 hours, between August 10 and 11, more than 30 children had died.

Epidemic encephalitis

The deaths occurred in babies with encephalitis acute in the service dedicated to the hospital, where the doctor was in charge. In monsoon period, this impairment is widespread in many indian states.

Reason for all these deaths : the lack of oxygen. The reserves of the hospital were exhausted. The director was accused of having left behind knowingly the shortage, does not cover the bills.

A controversial figure

The director of the hospital defended itself by deferring the responsibility on the monsoon, which has caused this epidemic of encephalitis, and not on failures by the hospital staff and administration.

Dr. Khan, for his part, had yet, in a first time, been praised for having bought the bottles from his pocket. He is now accused of negligence for not reporting the shortage. The past of the doctor does not speak in his favor. It drags in a few pots : impersonations, and even a complaint of sexual assault, all dismissed.

Since 1 August, over 400 children died in this hospital.