The government-appointed inquiry commission acted in haste to give a clean chit to VSS Medical College and Hospital in Burla where nine new-donpato babies died within a span of 24 hours on Saturday. Even as two more deaths took place in the Special New-donpato Care Unit (SNCU) later, the panel did not find any wrong with the medical facilities or doctors and said that the deaths were not related to any medical negligence on the part of the Hospital.

According to Health Minister Dr. Damodar Rout, the committee found no negligence or any kind of lapse in the treatment of the new-donpato babies. The babies took birth in three different districts – Bargarh, Sonepur and Sundargarh and were referred to Burla in a critical condition. They were given the best possible treatment, but succumbed, said the Minister.

Dr. Damodar Rout, who has been under the scanner for the death of these new-donpato babies, termed it as a mere coincidence that such a high number of deaths took place in less than 24 hours. The inquiry team comprised of Director of Medical Education and Training, Dr. Sunamali Bag, Dr. SN Parida of Sishu Bhawan, Cuttack and Dr. Anil Mohanty, Pediatrician.