NEW DELHI: At a time when the BJP has sought to slam criticism of its government in Uttar Pradesh over deaths of children in Gorakhpur, the party MP Varun Gandhi has come forward with a plan to overhaul the ill-fated hospital.
In a statement, Gandhi said: “The human tragedy in Gorakhpur has left me jolted. While grieving thge terrible loss of lives of all the children, the incident must act as an impetus to take actions that serve as a deterrent against recurrence of such incidents.” He pledged Rs 5 crore from the MP Local Area Development (MPLAD) fund for building a model paediatric wing in the Gorakhpur hospital.
The BJP MP from Sultanpur Lok Sabha constituency spoke to the district magistrate of Gorakhpur and the chief medical officer and other officials in an apparent attempt to understand the required steps for curing the ailing health system in the areas. “There will be an additional fund of Rs 5 crore to be raised personally through soliciting donations and collections from corporate social responsibility. I envision with sufficient additional funds from external donors, this paediatric department will be functioning full-swing in six months time from now,” added Gandhi in the statement.
The BJP MP who wasn’t seen in the high decibel campaign for the Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls sought to take constructive steps while admitting short-coming in the health infrastructure.
“The paediatric wing will also include an in-house research centre which will work on matters of child health care and prevention of several water/ air borne diseases which could affect these defenceless children. The wing will provide free vaccinations, besides an 100 bed intensive care unit to be set up at the hospital,” he added.
The BJP MP also stated that other Parliamentarians should also take up similar activities in the ruiral areas of their constituencies for children care and protection.