Five newborns die in Rajasthan hospital

Jaipur: Five newborns admitted to the neonatal unit of JLN Government Hospital in Ajmer have died since last night, prompting authorities to start a probe. The newborns were from Bhilwara, Merta city, Pisangan, Nasirabad and Beawar. They were suffering from septicemia, premature birth and respiratory problems, Dr K K Soni, CMHO Ajmer said.

They died last night and in the morning, he said. "A committee of three doctors has been formed today to probe the matter and it will submit its report to the district Collector in the evening," Dr Soni said. Rajasthan Congress chief Sachin Pilot alleged that the death of the five newborns in the Ajmer hospital was due to carelessness of doctors and demanded a high-level inquiry into it.

"The newborns were not treated properly due to absence of senior doctors. They died due to carelessness of doctors," he alleged. Pilot also accused the Rajsthan government of "trying to cover up" the matter and that a high-level inquiry should be ordered.