Indian doctor Kafeel Khan has penned a letter of gratitude and appreciation to Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan for his latest film Jawan. Khan feels that a plot point in Atlee directed film was loosely based on his life. In the film, Sanya Malhotra plays a doctor who is falsely implicated in the death of several kids at a government hospital that lacked basic facilities. The film shows that Sanya's character is arrested even though the real culprit is the health minister and a corrupt system. The plot was similar to real real-life incident involving Dr Khan.

Dr Kafeel Khan was accused of negligence when 63 children&nbsp;died of Acute Encephalitis at a state-run hospital in Gorakhpur in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh back in 2017. Dr Khan was arrested for charges of negligence. After years of court battle, he was freed. 
 
Dr Kafeel Khan's letter 
 
In his letter addressed to 'honourable actor and film producer Shah Rukh Khan', Dr Khan wrote that he watched Jawan and "felt compelled to convey my deep appreciation for your extraordinary commitment to using cinema as a means to address critical socio-political issues."

He added, "the movie's poignant portrayal of the tragic Gorakhpur Encephalitis incident has left an indelible mark on my heart. As someone who has had a personal connection with the incident and its aftermath, I was profoundly moved by your decision to bring this story to the screen. 
 
"While I understand that Jawan is a work of fiction, the parallels it draws to the Gorakhpur tragedy serve as a powerful reminder of the systemic failures, apathy, and, most importantly, the innocent lives lost.

"It underscores the urgent need for accountability within our healthcare system. The character portrayed by @sanyamalhotra07 (as Dr Eeram Khan ) although not directly referencing me, encapsulated the experiences I faced.

"It was heartening to witness the real culprit of ‘The Gorakhpur Hospital Tragedy’ got caught , though sadly in real life the real culprits are roaming free, me still struggling to get my job back, and those 63 parents who lost their little ones still waiting for justice."

He also talked about his own book The Gorakhpur Hospital Tragedy, which provides ‘a first-hand account of the tragedy and its aftermath’. 
&nbsp; 
Dr Khan also said that if given an opportunity, he would be honoured to meet Shah Rukh Khan and Atlee and express his gratitude personally.

"I also want to assure you that my sanctification, devotion, and determination towards serving my countrymen would continue undeterred. Thank you once again for being a beacon of hope. I look forward to your kind reply," he concluded.

Dr Khan reportedly sent a handwritten letter to SRK but it was undelivered. Dr Khan then decided to put to share images of the letter on social media.&nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Unfortunately, I wasn't able to obtain your email address, <a href="https://twitter.com/iamsrk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@iamsrk</a> sir . 
Consequently, I sent the letter by post, but that also showing in transit even after many days .Therefore posting it here 🙏🏾 
 
To 
The Honourable Mr. Shah Rukh Khan 
Indian actor and film producer 
Mannat,… <a href="https://t.co/9OxtzHQJ5M">pic.twitter.com/9OxtzHQJ5M</a>
— Dr Kafeel Khan (@drkafeelkhan) <a href="https://twitter.com/drkafeelkhan/status/1709764817383485538?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 5, 2023</a></blockquote>
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“Unfortunately, I wasn't able to obtain your email address, @iamsrk sir. Consequently, I sent the letter by post, but that also showing in transit even after many days. Therefore posting it here,” he wrote.

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Indian doctor Kafeel Khan has penned a letter of gratitude and appreciation to Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan for his latest film Jawan. Khan feels that a plot point in Atlee directed film was loosely based on his life.

Indian doctor Kafeel Khan has penned a letter of gratitude and appreciation to Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan for his latest film Jawan. Khan feels that a plot point in Atlee directed film was loosely based on his life. In the film, Sanya Malhotra plays a doctor who is falsely implicated in the death of several kids at a government hospital that lacked basic facilities. The film shows that Sanya's character is arrested even though the real culprit is the health minister and a corrupt system. The plot was similar to real real-life incident involving Dr Khan. Dr Kafeel Khan was accused of negligence when 63 children died of Acute Encephalitis at a state-run hospital in Gorakhpur in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh back in 2017. Dr Khan was arrested for charges of negligence. After years of court battle, he was freed. Dr Kafeel Khan's letter In his letter addressed to 'honourable actor and film producer Shah Rukh Khan', Dr Khan wrote that he watched Jawan and "felt compelled to convey my deep appreciation for your extraordinary commitment to using cinema as a means to address critical socio-political issues." He added, "the movie's poignant portrayal of the tragic Gorakhpur Encephalitis incident has left an indelible mark on my heart. As someone who has had a personal connection with the incident and its aftermath, I was profoundly moved by your decision to bring this story to the screen. "While I understand that Jawan is a work of fiction, the parallels it draws to the Gorakhpur tragedy serve as a powerful reminder of the systemic failures, apathy, and, most importantly, the innocent lives lost. "It underscores the urgent need for accountability within our healthcare system. The character portrayed by @sanyamalhotra07 (as Dr Eeram Khan ) although not directly referencing me, encapsulated the experiences I faced. "It was heartening to witness the real culprit of ‘The Gorakhpur Hospital Tragedy’ got caught , though sadly in real life the real culprits are roaming free, me still struggling to get my job back, and those 63 parents who lost their little ones still waiting for justice." He also talked about his own book The Gorakhpur Hospital Tragedy, which provides ‘a first-hand account of the tragedy and its aftermath’. Dr Khan also said that if given an opportunity, he would be honoured to meet Shah Rukh Khan and Atlee and express his gratitude personally. "I also want to assure you that my sanctification, devotion, and determination towards serving my countrymen would continue undeterred. Thank you once again for being a beacon of hope. I look forward to your kind reply," he concluded. Dr Khan reportedly sent a handwritten letter to SRK but it was undelivered. Dr Khan then decided to put to share images of the letter on social media. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to obtain your email address, @iamsrk sir . Consequently, I sent the letter by post, but that also showing in transit even after many days .Therefore posting it here 🙏🏾 To The Honourable Mr. Shah Rukh Khan Indian actor and film producer Mannat,… pic.twitter.com/9OxtzHQJ5M — Dr Kafeel Khan (@drkafeelkhan) October 5, 2023 × “Unfortunately, I wasn't able to obtain your email address, @iamsrk sir. Consequently, I sent the letter by post, but that also showing in transit even after many days. Therefore posting it here,” he wrote. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Jawan: Doctor in Gorakhpur hospital tragedy case writes to Shah Rukh Khan to appreciate star

Nineteen children have reportedly died at the Baba Raghav Das (BRD) Medical College in Uttar Pradesh&#39;s Gorakhpur in the last 24 hours. Sixty-nine deaths have occurred at the hospital since October 7,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/36-children-die-in-48-hours-at-gorakhpur-hospital-290-deaths-in-august-report-19649">two months after&nbsp;mass deaths of infants from the same hospital led to widespread shock and condemnation</a>.

Between 333 and 360 patients have been hospitalised over the last four days, The Indian Express reported, citing hospital records. The number of deaths vary from 12 to 20 each day.

Twelve children died on October 7, 20 on October 8, 18 died on October 9, and 19 deaths were reported on October 10.

The 19 children who have died in the last 24 hours include 13 new born infants, and six others suffering from Acute Encephalitis Syndrome, BRD Medical College principal PK Singh told The Indian Express.

The principal said that most of the deaths in the neonatal wing were because of illnesses like pneumonia, septicemia and asphyxia.

&quot;There are 118 children admitted at NICU at present, of which 13 died due to different medical reasons,&quot; BK Singh was quoted as saying.&nbsp;

The principal said that of the 333 patients admitted in the pediatric ward, 109 children were suffering from Acute Encephalitis Syndrome.

He added that a large number of newborns in critical condition had come to the hospital from far-off places.

A total of 60 deaths occurred at the Baba Raghav Das Medical College in five days - from August 7 to August 11.

Media reports and accounts of a few parents had held the disruption in oxygen supply accountable for the deaths.

Hospital officials have, however, claimed that alternative supplies had been found, and blamed many of the deaths instead on the encephalitis and unspecified issues related to the delivery of the infants born in the neo-natal ward.

A total of 290 children have died at the BRD Medical College between August 1 and August 28, DNA reported earlier.

The former principal of the medical college, the doctor in-charge of the particular ward and the supplier of liquid oxygen to the hospital have already been arrested.

 
&nbsp;

Between 333 and 360 patients have been hospitalised over the last four days, The Indian Express reported, citing hospital records. The number of deaths vary from 12 to 20 each day

Nineteen children have reportedly died at the Baba Raghav Das (BRD) Medical College in Uttar Pradesh's Gorakhpur in the last 24 hours. Sixty-nine deaths have occurred at the hospital since October 7, two months after mass deaths of infants from the same hospital led to widespread shock and condemnation. Between 333 and 360 patients have been hospitalised over the last four days, The Indian Express reported, citing hospital records. The number of deaths vary from 12 to 20 each day. Twelve children died on October 7, 20 on October 8, 18 died on October 9, and 19 deaths were reported on October 10. The 19 children who have died in the last 24 hours include 13 new born infants, and six others suffering from Acute Encephalitis Syndrome, BRD Medical College principal PK Singh told The Indian Express. The principal said that most of the deaths in the neonatal wing were because of illnesses like pneumonia, septicemia and asphyxia. "There are 118 children admitted at NICU at present, of which 13 died due to different medical reasons," BK Singh was quoted as saying. The principal said that of the 333 patients admitted in the pediatric ward, 109 children were suffering from Acute Encephalitis Syndrome. He added that a large number of newborns in critical condition had come to the hospital from far-off places. A total of 60 deaths occurred at the Baba Raghav Das Medical College in five days - from August 7 to August 11. Media reports and accounts of a few parents had held the disruption in oxygen supply accountable for the deaths. Hospital officials have, however, claimed that alternative supplies had been found, and blamed many of the deaths instead on the encephalitis and unspecified issues related to the delivery of the infants born in the neo-natal ward. A total of 290 children have died at the BRD Medical College between August 1 and August 28, DNA reported earlier. The former principal of the medical college, the doctor in-charge of the particular ward and the supplier of liquid oxygen to the hospital have already been arrested.

Gorakhpur repeat: 69 deaths in 4 days at same hospital

Thirty-six&nbsp;children reportedly died on August 27 and 28&nbsp;in Gorakhpur&#39;s Baba Raghav Das (BRD) Medical College, barely a fortnight after over 70&nbsp;infants died in a week in the same hospital.

A report in DNA said that of the 36 deaths reported, seven children died of encephalitis, 15 lost their life&nbsp;in the Neo-Natal Ward (NICU) and 14 children died of various medical ailments.

The report cited a senior doctor at the hospital who sought&nbsp;anonymity.

A total of 290 children&nbsp;have died at the BRD Medical College between&nbsp;August 1 and&nbsp;August 28, the DNA report added.

About 1,250 children&nbsp;have so far died since January this year, which includes 175 deaths from encephalitis, hospital sources told DNA.&nbsp; 
 
The infant deaths in July&nbsp;allegedly took place&nbsp;because of a&nbsp;lack of liquid oxygen in the hospital, invoking widespread criticism of the chief minister&nbsp;Yogi Adityanath government.

Earlier Tuesday, the&nbsp;suspended principal of the medical college,&nbsp;Rajiv Mishra, and his wife Purnima were arrested from Kanpur in connection with the deaths in July.&nbsp;They were taken to Gorakhpur by the Special Task Force (STF) of Uttar Pradesh police.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had ordered for a strict action against the hospital staff and Pushpa Sales Pvt&nbsp;Ltd,&nbsp;the firm that had allegedly cut off oxygen supply over non-payment of dues

A police complaint&nbsp;was earlier lodged against the suspended principal,&nbsp;six other hospital personnel, and two officials of the oxygen-supplying agency Pushpa Sales Private Limited, Manish Bhandari and Uday Pratap Sharma, for&nbsp;criminal negligence.

Pushpa Sales is accused of breaching its responsibility for supplying oxygen despite being made aware of depleting stocks by the medical college staff,&nbsp;which invokes the section of criminal negligence.

The FIR&nbsp;(First Information Report)&nbsp;also states&nbsp;that the government hospital had received a total fund of Rs&nbsp;454 lakh&nbsp;for the financial year 2017-18, of which Rs. 63.65 lakh was supposed to be given to Pushpa Sales in April.

Therefore, the BRD hospital personnel have been charged for &quot;deliberately not submitting the payment despite repeated written request by the supplier to the principal&quot; in want of bribe.

The FIR also accused the principal Misra of staying absent from office on August 10 when media reported the deaths, thus indicating a &quot;criminal conspiracy&quot; on his part.

It also accused Misra and his wife of corruption, supported by statements given by the&nbsp;hospital staff that she had obtained illegal amounts of money and had a significant role in her husband&#39;s corrupt activities.

Others have been accused of neglecting their&nbsp;duties in anticipation of bribe, that resulted in deaths.

Dr&nbsp;KK&nbsp;Gupta, Director General, Medical Education registered the FIR under the orders of Uttar Pradesh government at the Hazratganj Police Station, Lucknow on August 23.

 
&nbsp;

A report in DNA said that of the 36 deaths reported, seven children died of encephalitis, 15 lost their life?in the Neo-Natal Ward (NICU) and 14 children died of different medical reasons.

Thirty-six children reportedly died on August 27 and 28 in Gorakhpur's Baba Raghav Das (BRD) Medical College, barely a fortnight after over 70 infants died in a week in the same hospital. A report in DNA said that of the 36 deaths reported, seven children died of encephalitis, 15 lost their life in the Neo-Natal Ward (NICU) and 14 children died of various medical ailments. The report cited a senior doctor at the hospital who sought anonymity. A total of 290 children have died at the BRD Medical College between August 1 and August 28, the DNA report added. About 1,250 children have so far died since January this year, which includes 175 deaths from encephalitis, hospital sources told DNA. The infant deaths in July allegedly took place because of a lack of liquid oxygen in the hospital, invoking widespread criticism of the chief minister Yogi Adityanath government. Earlier Tuesday, the suspended principal of the medical college, Rajiv Mishra, and his wife Purnima were arrested from Kanpur in connection with the deaths in July. They were taken to Gorakhpur by the Special Task Force (STF) of Uttar Pradesh police. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had ordered for a strict action against the hospital staff and Pushpa Sales Pvt Ltd, the firm that had allegedly cut off oxygen supply over non-payment of dues A police complaint was earlier lodged against the suspended principal, six other hospital personnel, and two officials of the oxygen-supplying agency Pushpa Sales Private Limited, Manish Bhandari and Uday Pratap Sharma, for criminal negligence. Pushpa Sales is accused of breaching its responsibility for supplying oxygen despite being made aware of depleting stocks by the medical college staff, which invokes the section of criminal negligence. The FIR (First Information Report) also states that the government hospital had received a total fund of Rs 454 lakh for the financial year 2017-18, of which Rs. 63.65 lakh was supposed to be given to Pushpa Sales in April. Therefore, the BRD hospital personnel have been charged for "deliberately not submitting the payment despite repeated written request by the supplier to the principal" in want of bribe. The FIR also accused the principal Misra of staying absent from office on August 10 when media reported the deaths, thus indicating a "criminal conspiracy" on his part. It also accused Misra and his wife of corruption, supported by statements given by the hospital staff that she had obtained illegal amounts of money and had a significant role in her husband's corrupt activities. Others have been accused of neglecting their duties in anticipation of bribe, that resulted in deaths. Dr KK Gupta, Director General, Medical Education registered the FIR under the orders of Uttar Pradesh government at the Hazratganj Police Station, Lucknow on August 23.

36 children die in 48 hours at Gorakhpur hospital, 290 deaths in August: Report

Resident doctors of the AIIMS Monday (August 14) alleged that sacked paediatrician Dr Kafeel Khan had been made a &quot;scapegoat&quot; in the Gorakhpur hospital deaths last week in which 70 children lost their lives.

Media reports said one reason for the deaths was a shortage of oxygen after a private supplier withdrew its equipment over unpaid hospital dues.

Kafeel Khan, who was the head of the encephalitis ward at the hospital, was removed from his post two days after he saved hundreds of children by collecting oxygen cylinders from various nursing homes with his own money.

He was removed for failing to take action on a letter by those in charge of oxygen supply, a media report stated citing government sources.

The AIIMS doctors alleged that Dr Khan had been made a scapegoat for infrastructural lapses by the government.

&quot;With great pain we have to say that once again a doctor has been made a scapegoat for the infrastructural lapse and failure of the government,&quot; President of the resident doctors association at AIIMS, Dr Harjit Singh Bhatti, said.

The association has written a letter condemning the sacking and has also accused the Uttar Pradesh government of &quot;gross neglect of public health.&quot;

&quot;If oxygen, gloves, surgical instruments and basic medicines are not available in the hospital, then who is responsible? According to the government, the doctor is responsible. I request politicians not to spoil this relationship between the patient and the doctor to hide their incompetency,&quot; Bhatti said in the letter.

On Monday, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) issued a notice to the Uttar Pradesh government, asking it for a detailed report on the deaths.

The human rights body called the deaths &quot;gross callousness on part of the hospital administration&quot;.&nbsp;

Hospital officials maintain that the deaths were caused by encephalitis and a brief disruption but not lack of oxygen.

Victims&#39; families have disputed this, describing the panic and chaos as patients began struggling from a sudden lack of oxygen.

According to data procured from the BRD hospital, in five days - from August 7 to August 11, a total of 60 deaths occurred in the hospital. Thirty children died within a span of 48 hours.

Many of the victims were infants admitted at the hospital&#39;s neonatal intensive care unit.

The procured data also shows the number of oxygen cylinders sent for refilling each day, showing a clear shortage of liquid oxygen in the hospital.&nbsp;

The Yogi Adityanath-led BJP government suspended the head of the state-run BRD Medical College, Rajeev Misra, late on Saturday and ordered an investigation into contracts to supply oxygen.

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) said on Sunday that Rajiv Mishra&#39;s suspension was wrong because the tragedy was an administrative failure and everyone should be held accountable.

The issue of the unpaid bills for oxygen supply has been debated by the hospital and the state government after the suspended hospital chief on Saturday accused state officials of ignoring his requests for money.

The Uttar Pradesh health minister has defended the government&#39;s role, saying no issue of unpaid bills had been brought to its attention and all requests for funds were paid promptly.&nbsp;

Encephalitis outbreaks kill hundreds in India every year, especially during the monsoon season.&nbsp;

Public health accounts for only one per cent of India&#39;s GDP, which is among the world&#39;s lowest.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Kafeel Khan, who was in charge of the paediatric department at the time of the deaths, had been hailed as a hero after he reportedly bought oxygen cylinders with his own money during the crisis

Resident doctors of the AIIMS Monday (August 14) alleged that sacked paediatrician Dr Kafeel Khan had been made a "scapegoat" in the Gorakhpur hospital deaths last week in which 70 children lost their lives. Media reports said one reason for the deaths was a shortage of oxygen after a private supplier withdrew its equipment over unpaid hospital dues. Kafeel Khan, who was the head of the encephalitis ward at the hospital, was removed from his post two days after he saved hundreds of children by collecting oxygen cylinders from various nursing homes with his own money. He was removed for failing to take action on a letter by those in charge of oxygen supply, a media report stated citing government sources. The AIIMS doctors alleged that Dr Khan had been made a scapegoat for infrastructural lapses by the government. "With great pain we have to say that once again a doctor has been made a scapegoat for the infrastructural lapse and failure of the government," President of the resident doctors association at AIIMS, Dr Harjit Singh Bhatti, said. The association has written a letter condemning the sacking and has also accused the Uttar Pradesh government of "gross neglect of public health." "If oxygen, gloves, surgical instruments and basic medicines are not available in the hospital, then who is responsible? According to the government, the doctor is responsible. I request politicians not to spoil this relationship between the patient and the doctor to hide their incompetency," Bhatti said in the letter. On Monday, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) issued a notice to the Uttar Pradesh government, asking it for a detailed report on the deaths. The human rights body called the deaths "gross callousness on part of the hospital administration". Hospital officials maintain that the deaths were caused by encephalitis and a brief disruption but not lack of oxygen. Victims' families have disputed this, describing the panic and chaos as patients began struggling from a sudden lack of oxygen. According to data procured from the BRD hospital, in five days - from August 7 to August 11, a total of 60 deaths occurred in the hospital. Thirty children died within a span of 48 hours. Many of the victims were infants admitted at the hospital's neonatal intensive care unit. The procured data also shows the number of oxygen cylinders sent for refilling each day, showing a clear shortage of liquid oxygen in the hospital. The Yogi Adityanath-led BJP government suspended the head of the state-run BRD Medical College, Rajeev Misra, late on Saturday and ordered an investigation into contracts to supply oxygen. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) said on Sunday that Rajiv Mishra's suspension was wrong because the tragedy was an administrative failure and everyone should be held accountable. The issue of the unpaid bills for oxygen supply has been debated by the hospital and the state government after the suspended hospital chief on Saturday accused state officials of ignoring his requests for money. The Uttar Pradesh health minister has defended the government's role, saying no issue of unpaid bills had been brought to its attention and all requests for funds were paid promptly. Encephalitis outbreaks kill hundreds in India every year, especially during the monsoon season. Public health accounts for only one per cent of India's GDP, which is among the world's lowest.

Gorakhpur hospital deaths: Sacked paediatrician made scapegoat, allege AIIMS doctors

The death toll in the collective deaths of children at a government-run hospital in Gorakhpur rose to 72 on Monday evening. An eight-year-old died of encephalitis in the BJP-ruled state.

Earlier in the day, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) issued a notice to the Uttar Pradesh government, asking it for a detailed report on the deaths.

The human rights body called the deaths &quot;gross callousness on part of the hospital administration&quot;. It said it was sending the notice taking suo motu cognisance of media reports that indicated that there was a negligence in the supply of liquid oxygen which resulted in the tragedy.

&quot;Reported deaths, in such a large number in a government run hospital, amount to serious violation of the Right to Life and Health of the innocent victims,&quot; the commission said in a statement.&nbsp;

&quot;This indicates towards gross callousness on part of the hospital administration and the Medical Education and Health Department of the Government of Uttar Pradesh.&quot;

The NHRC has also asked the government about the steps it will take for the &quot;relief and rehabilitation of the affected families&quot; as well as the action taken against the guilty.&nbsp;

The rights body has given the government four weeks time to submit the report.

The NHRC added that despite the fact that incidents of Encephalitis had been reported in the past, the situation had not improved.

BJP President Amit Shah defended chief minister Yogi Adityanath&#39;s directive to state&nbsp;authorities to celebrate today&#39;s festival of Janmashtami in a &quot;grand&quot;&nbsp;way. He said the festival will be celebrated in Uttar Pradesh&nbsp;in the same manner as it is done in the rest of the country.&nbsp;

On the Congress&#39;s calls for Adityanath&#39;s resignation, Amit Shah said, &quot;It is Congress&rsquo;s job to ask for resignation. In a big country like India, there have been many such incidents in the past. This is not the first time.&quot;

A total of 60 deaths occurred at the Baba Raghav Das Medical College in five days - from August 7 to August 11. Nine children have died within a span of 24 hours.

Media reports and accounts of a few parents had held the disruption in oxygen supply accountable for the deaths.

Hospital officials have, however, claimed that alternative supplies had been found, and blamed many of the deaths instead on the encephalitis and unspecified issues related to the delivery of the infants born in the neo-natal ward.

Gorakhpur&#39;s health facilities are seen as deficient, Reuters reported citing a study of government data by non-profit body Brookings India that says the district has a 26 per cent shortage of primary health centres.

Encephalitis outbreaks kill hundreds in India every year, especially during the monsoon season.&nbsp;

The NHRC, which issued a notice to the Uttar Pradesh government, has also asked the government about the steps it will take for the 'relief and rehabilitation of the affected families'

The death toll in the collective deaths of children at a government-run hospital in Gorakhpur rose to 72 on Monday evening. An eight-year-old died of encephalitis in the BJP-ruled state. Earlier in the day, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) issued a notice to the Uttar Pradesh government, asking it for a detailed report on the deaths. The human rights body called the deaths "gross callousness on part of the hospital administration". It said it was sending the notice taking suo motu cognisance of media reports that indicated that there was a negligence in the supply of liquid oxygen which resulted in the tragedy. "Reported deaths, in such a large number in a government run hospital, amount to serious violation of the Right to Life and Health of the innocent victims," the commission said in a statement. "This indicates towards gross callousness on part of the hospital administration and the Medical Education and Health Department of the Government of Uttar Pradesh." The NHRC has also asked the government about the steps it will take for the "relief and rehabilitation of the affected families" as well as the action taken against the guilty. The rights body has given the government four weeks time to submit the report. The NHRC added that despite the fact that incidents of Encephalitis had been reported in the past, the situation had not improved. BJP President Amit Shah defended chief minister Yogi Adityanath's directive to state authorities to celebrate today's festival of Janmashtami in a "grand" way. He said the festival will be celebrated in Uttar Pradesh in the same manner as it is done in the rest of the country. On the Congress's calls for Adityanath's resignation, Amit Shah said, "It is Congress’s job to ask for resignation. In a big country like India, there have been many such incidents in the past. This is not the first time." A total of 60 deaths occurred at the Baba Raghav Das Medical College in five days - from August 7 to August 11. Nine children have died within a span of 24 hours. Media reports and accounts of a few parents had held the disruption in oxygen supply accountable for the deaths. Hospital officials have, however, claimed that alternative supplies had been found, and blamed many of the deaths instead on the encephalitis and unspecified issues related to the delivery of the infants born in the neo-natal ward. Gorakhpur's health facilities are seen as deficient, Reuters reported citing a study of government data by non-profit body Brookings India that says the district has a 26 per cent shortage of primary health centres. Encephalitis outbreaks kill hundreds in India every year, especially during the monsoon season.

Gorakhpur hospital deaths: Toll rises to 72, NHRC issues notice to UP govt

Tragedy continued to descend upon Gorakhpur&#39;s Baba Raghav Das Medical College hospital, as another child succumbed to encephalitis on Sunday, taking the death toll over 70. 11 children died on Saturday and until Friday the death toll stood at 60.

Dr Kafeel Khan, a paediatrician and the head of the encephalitis ward at the hospital, was removed from his post two days after he saved hundreds of children by collecting oxygen cylinders from various nursing homes. He was removed for failing to take action on a letter by those in charge of oxygen supply, a media report stated citing government sources.

Hospital officials maintain that the deaths were caused by encephalitis and a brief disruption but not lack of oxygen. 
 
Parents, however, have recounted panic and horror as their children suddenly began gasping for air amid an apparent drop in oxygen, and nurses handed out manual pumps to aid their breathing.

&quot;I am a poor man who doesn&#39;t understand what happens here, but it was clear that day the oxygen wasn&#39;t going up. The doctors and other staff here were very worried,&quot; Ram Prasad, sitting by his two-year-old daughter&#39;s bedside, told AFP.&nbsp;

The Yogi Adityanath-led BJP government&nbsp;suspended the head of the state-run BRD Medical College, Rajeev Misra, late on Saturday and ordered an investigation into contracts to supply oxygen.

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) said on Sunday that Rajiv Mishra&#39;s suspension was wrong because the tragedy was an administrative failure and everyone should be held accountable.

&quot;The suspension of only the principal is completely wrong. It&#39;s an administrative failure. Everyone should be held accountable. If you&#39;re suspending him, then suspend the local administration too and ban the company,&quot; IMA president KK Aggarwal said.

Media reports said one reason for the deaths was a shortage of oxygen&nbsp;after a private supplier withdrew its equipment over unpaid hospital dues.

The issue of the unpaid bills for oxygen supply has become a flashpoint in relations between the hospital and the state government after the suspended hospital chief on Saturday accused state officials of ignoring his requests for money.

&quot;I wrote at least three letters,&quot; Misra told television reporters on Saturday, adding that he had even flagged the issue in video conference discussions.

Hospital officials have, however, claimed that alternative supplies had been found, and blamed many of the deaths instead on the disease encephalitis and unspecified issues related to the delivery of the infants.

Victims&#39;&nbsp;families have disputed this, describing the panic and chaos as patients began struggling from a sudden lack of oxygen.

&quot;As soon as we reached the hospital, we were handed a small pump and told to keep pumping. I did so for over three-and-a-half hours,&quot; one victim`s father, Shailendra Gupta, was quoted by Sunday&#39;s Indian Express as saying.

&quot;The next day, we were informed that he was dead.&quot;

Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath said on Sunday that a probe had been ordered into the death and &quot;if anyone&#39;s negligence caused the death of a person in any part of Uttar Pradesh, he won&#39;t be spared.&quot;

Adityanath, who visited the hospital on Sunday, was accompanied by union health minister JP Nadda.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/30-children-die-in-gorakhpur-hospital-in-a-span-of-48-hours-18913">30 children die in Gorakhpur hospital in a span of 48 hours </a>

&quot;Nobody can be more sensitive towards those children than me,&quot; the Uttar Pradesh chief minister said.

&quot;Those whose sensitivity has died are now trying to add salt to the wound by raising the sensitive issue unnecessarily,&quot; he added.

Adityanath had said on Saturday that &quot;he has asked a team of top ministers to determine if the death of the children was actually due to a disruption in oxygen supply at the hospital and assured to &quot;not spare anyone found guilty&quot;.

He also said, &quot;We have suspended the principal of the BRD Medical College and taking him guilty for his actions and an investigation on him has already been ordered and is underway. Those found guilty won&#39;t be spared.&quot;

Opposition parties have clamoured for the resignation of Yogi Adityanath and the state health minister. &quot;This government is a murderer,&quot; said Raj Babbar, head of the opposition Congress party in Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;

Responding to the suspension of Medical College Principal, senior Congress Party leader and former health minister Ghulam Nabi Azad branded the move as &#39;eyewash&#39;, and demanded that an all-party delegation should look into the matter.

&quot;The administration was notified of the lack of oxygen. Local media reports also hinted at the possibility of a large tragedy in the hospital. It is shocking that nothing was done about it. Suspending the Principal after this and announcing an inquiry into the matter is just an eyewash. There should be an all-party probe into this; the matter should not be submerged at any cost,&quot; said Azad, while addressing a press conference here.

Further, Azad urged the state health minister Siddharth Nath Singh to submit his resignation immediately.

According to data procured from the BRD hospital, in five days - from August 7 to August 11, a total of 60 deaths occurred in the hospital.

The procured data also shows the number of oxygen cylinders sent for refilling each day, showing a clear shortage of liquid oxygen in the hospital.&nbsp;

The Uttar Pradesh health minister has defended the government&#39;s role, saying no issue of unpaid bills had been brought to its attention and all requests for funds were paid promptly.&nbsp;

Gorakhpur is Adityanath&#39;s political base, which elected him to parliament five times before he was made Uttar Pradesh chief minister by Narendra Modi after the BJP government&#39;s landslide BJP election victory in March.

Gorakhpur&#39;s health facilities are seen as deficient, Reuters reported citing a study of government data by nonprofit body Brookings India that says the district has a 26 per cent shortage of primary health centres.

Encephalitis outbreaks kill hundreds in India every year, especially during the monsoon season.&nbsp;

Public health accounts for only one per cent of India&#39;s GDP, which is among the world&#39;s lowest.&nbsp;

In recent years, Modi&#39;s government has increased health spending and vowed to make healthcare more affordable.

11 children died on Saturday and until Friday the death toll stood at 60

Tragedy continued to descend upon Gorakhpur's Baba Raghav Das Medical College hospital, as another child succumbed to encephalitis on Sunday, taking the death toll over 70. 11 children died on Saturday and until Friday the death toll stood at 60. Dr Kafeel Khan, a paediatrician and the head of the encephalitis ward at the hospital, was removed from his post two days after he saved hundreds of children by collecting oxygen cylinders from various nursing homes. He was removed for failing to take action on a letter by those in charge of oxygen supply, a media report stated citing government sources. Hospital officials maintain that the deaths were caused by encephalitis and a brief disruption but not lack of oxygen. Parents, however, have recounted panic and horror as their children suddenly began gasping for air amid an apparent drop in oxygen, and nurses handed out manual pumps to aid their breathing. "I am a poor man who doesn't understand what happens here, but it was clear that day the oxygen wasn't going up. The doctors and other staff here were very worried," Ram Prasad, sitting by his two-year-old daughter's bedside, told AFP. The Yogi Adityanath-led BJP government suspended the head of the state-run BRD Medical College, Rajeev Misra, late on Saturday and ordered an investigation into contracts to supply oxygen. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) said on Sunday that Rajiv Mishra's suspension was wrong because the tragedy was an administrative failure and everyone should be held accountable. "The suspension of only the principal is completely wrong. It's an administrative failure. Everyone should be held accountable. If you're suspending him, then suspend the local administration too and ban the company," IMA president KK Aggarwal said. Media reports said one reason for the deaths was a shortage of oxygen after a private supplier withdrew its equipment over unpaid hospital dues. The issue of the unpaid bills for oxygen supply has become a flashpoint in relations between the hospital and the state government after the suspended hospital chief on Saturday accused state officials of ignoring his requests for money. "I wrote at least three letters," Misra told television reporters on Saturday, adding that he had even flagged the issue in video conference discussions. Hospital officials have, however, claimed that alternative supplies had been found, and blamed many of the deaths instead on the disease encephalitis and unspecified issues related to the delivery of the infants. Victims' families have disputed this, describing the panic and chaos as patients began struggling from a sudden lack of oxygen. "As soon as we reached the hospital, we were handed a small pump and told to keep pumping. I did so for over three-and-a-half hours," one victim`s father, Shailendra Gupta, was quoted by Sunday's Indian Express as saying. "The next day, we were informed that he was dead." Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath said on Sunday that a probe had been ordered into the death and "if anyone's negligence caused the death of a person in any part of Uttar Pradesh, he won't be spared." Adityanath, who visited the hospital on Sunday, was accompanied by union health minister JP Nadda. Also read: 30 children die in Gorakhpur hospital in a span of 48 hours "Nobody can be more sensitive towards those children than me," the Uttar Pradesh chief minister said. "Those whose sensitivity has died are now trying to add salt to the wound by raising the sensitive issue unnecessarily," he added. Adityanath had said on Saturday that "he has asked a team of top ministers to determine if the death of the children was actually due to a disruption in oxygen supply at the hospital and assured to "not spare anyone found guilty". He also said, "We have suspended the principal of the BRD Medical College and taking him guilty for his actions and an investigation on him has already been ordered and is underway. Those found guilty won't be spared." Opposition parties have clamoured for the resignation of Yogi Adityanath and the state health minister. "This government is a murderer," said Raj Babbar, head of the opposition Congress party in Uttar Pradesh. Responding to the suspension of Medical College Principal, senior Congress Party leader and former health minister Ghulam Nabi Azad branded the move as 'eyewash', and demanded that an all-party delegation should look into the matter. "The administration was notified of the lack of oxygen. Local media reports also hinted at the possibility of a large tragedy in the hospital. It is shocking that nothing was done about it. Suspending the Principal after this and announcing an inquiry into the matter is just an eyewash. There should be an all-party probe into this; the matter should not be submerged at any cost," said Azad, while addressing a press conference here. Further, Azad urged the state health minister Siddharth Nath Singh to submit his resignation immediately. According to data procured from the BRD hospital, in five days - from August 7 to August 11, a total of 60 deaths occurred in the hospital. The procured data also shows the number of oxygen cylinders sent for refilling each day, showing a clear shortage of liquid oxygen in the hospital. The Uttar Pradesh health minister has defended the government's role, saying no issue of unpaid bills had been brought to its attention and all requests for funds were paid promptly. Gorakhpur is Adityanath's political base, which elected him to parliament five times before he was made Uttar Pradesh chief minister by Narendra Modi after the BJP government's landslide BJP election victory in March. Gorakhpur's health facilities are seen as deficient, Reuters reported citing a study of government data by nonprofit body Brookings India that says the district has a 26 per cent shortage of primary health centres. Encephalitis outbreaks kill hundreds in India every year, especially during the monsoon season. Public health accounts for only one per cent of India's GDP, which is among the world's lowest. In recent years, Modi's government has increased health spending and vowed to make healthcare more affordable.

Gorakhpur hospital tragedy: Death toll at 70 after another child dies, what we know so far

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