Deaths of children: Careless Yogi should step down as CM, says U T Khader

Mangaluru, Aug 14: Congress leader and Karnataka Food Minister U T Khader has slammed the carelessness of CM Yogi Adityanath led Uttar Pradesh government that resulted in the deaths of over 70 kids at a hospital in Gorakhpur.

Even though the preliminary probe report has confirmed the breakdown of oxygen supply at the state-run hospital, Yogi on Sunday held encephalitis responsible for the deaths.

Addressing media persons on Sunday, Khader, who earlier served as minister health and family welfare, said the Gorakhpur incident is unfortunate and state as well Central health ministries should be held responsible. 

"BJP makes an issue when cows are killed but there is complete silence when large number of children die in a hospital due to negligence. UP CM and state health minister should immediately step down on moral grounds," he demanded.

Pointing out that UPA government had made arrangements under the National Rural Health Mission (NHM) to address such issues, he said in spite of this being in place, the tragedy has taken place. He also urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to constitute a high level committee to probe entire episode.