Jaipur, January 2: Reacting on the spree of infant deaths at Kota's JK Lone Hospital, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Thursday said the fatalities at the government medical care unit have dipped compared to the last 5-6 years. The CM also alleged a ploy behind overhyping the case, claiming that attempts are being made to "divert the nation's attention" from the state of economic slowdown and anti-CAA protests. Kota Infant Deaths: Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan Writes to Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot, Assures 'Full Support' From Centre.

"The number of deaths of infants in the state is the least now as compared to the last 5-6 years. Medical arrangements are excellent. Still, we are making efforts to reduce Infant Mortality Ratio (IMR) and Maternal Mortality Ratio," Gehlot said.

Update by ANI

The state government had, on December 23, assigned a three-member team to investigate the reason behind the deaths of newborns at the hospital. Over 100 children have died at the JK Lone Hospital, with reports pointing towards the dysfunctional incubation units in the neonatal wards.

The three-member state panel, led by Medical Education Secretary Vaibhav Galeria, visited the hospital on December 27 to ascertain the cause which led to the death of over 100 infants in the past one month. The committee noted that the "extreme cold weather" has turned it difficult for newborn babies born weak to survive.

Congress president Sonia Gandhi summoned party's Rajasthan in-charge Avinash Pandey over the infant deaths case. She reportedly expressed her dissent and questioned the state government for not being able to address the crisis. Gandhi also sought an explanation on the issue from Gehlot.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 02, 2020 07:34 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).