11 children with special needs die at government-run Rajasthan hospital

Jaipur: Eleven children with special needs, who were staying at a government-run home in Jamdoli near Jaipur have died over the last eight days in a hospital where they were admitted with septic shock after allegedly drinking contaminated water. The condition of three others is stated to be critical. 

"Children were admitted to the hospital between April 21 and 28. Seven of them have died, while four are undergoing treatment. Of them, three are critical," Dr Ashok Gupta, Superintendent of JK Lone hospital said.

He said the children belonging to different age groups were suffering from septic shock, complication of infection where toxins can initiate a full body inflammatory response, and high blood pressure.

All of them were admitted after they complained of vomiting and other problems, he said. Social Justice and Empowerment Minister of the state Arun Chaturvedi visited the children undergoing treatment at the hospital on Friday.

Opposition Congress leader Sachin Pilot said that the children were taken ill apparently after drinking contaminated water at the government home, and demanded action against those responsible for the tragedy. 

"It is very serious issue that the children who had special needs have died. The government should order a high-level inquiry into the matter," Pilot, who also visited the hospital, said.