Date:05/09/2002 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2002/09/05/stories/2002090505860100.htm

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Buddhadeb admits lapses

By Our Special Correspondent

KOLKATA SEPT. 4. The West Bengal Chief Minister, Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, today expressed concern over the death of 18 children at the State-run B.C. Roy Memorial Hospital here in the past four days, admitting that there had been some lapses. Three more children died today, taking the toll to 18.

"I am pained like others. I also wanted to visit the hospital. I have no intention of concealing the truth. The reality is: several children have died,'' Mr. Bhattacharjee said.

He, however, echoed the State Health Minister, Suryakanta Mishra's observation that the hospital had no shortage of doctors, nursing staff and oxygen and that no child had died of infection.