Delhi: Diphtheria death toll goes up, 24 reported so far
Two more deaths due to diphtheria have been reported at a civic hospital in North Delhi, taking the toll from the infectious disease in the national capital to 24, officials said yesterday. Five of these victims belong to Delhi and the rest are from other states, they said. The fresh deaths were reported at Maharishi Valmiki Infectious Diseases (MVID) Hospital at Kingsway Camp.
Of 183 admissions, 23 have died at MVID
"Since September 6, there have been over 183 admissions at the municipal hospital, of which 23 have died," a senior official said. One more death was reported at the state-run LNJP Hospital. North Delhi Mayor Adesh Gupta on Tuesday suspended the medical superintendent of MVID hospital for alleged lapses in connection with the deaths of these children at the hospital facility.
North Delhi mayor will take necessary action in death cases
Confirming it, Gupta said he has set up a panel a few days back to look into the deaths and sought a report on it. "Further action will depend on what comes out in the report," he added. MVID is governed by the NDMC.
