Opposition slams government over death of newborn

Protesters stage a sit-in at the exit of the GGH-Millennium block

Police clash with YSRCP leaders as the latter block the exit of Health Minister Kamineni Srinivas from GGH in Guntur on Thursday.— PHOTO: T. Vijaya Kumar

A vocal Opposition on Thursday slammed the “ham-handed approach” of the government to the “callousness” of the Government General Hospital authorities, leading to the death of a newborn from rat bite.

Dramatic scenes ensued at the hospital, protesters staged a sit-in at the exit of the GGH-Millennium block and prevented Ministers from leaving the premises. Police had to use mild force to disperse the agitators.

YSRC activists, led by former Vijayawada East MLA Vangaveeti Radha Krishna, brought the parents of the newborn to the room at the Millennium Block where Ministers Kamineni Srinivas, P. Pulla Rao and P. Narayana and Special Chief Secretary (Health) L.V. Subramaniyam were present.

As the YSRC leaders tried to enter the premises, police prevented them, resulted in a scuffle. Finally, the Ministers the leaders to enter the room.

A visibly agitated Radhakrishna, who had represented Krishnalanka during 2004-2009, slammed the government and held the GGH administration responsible for the death of the newborn.