Damoh poisoning case: Probe finds docs guilty

The inquiry committee set up by Damoh collector has found Patera community health centre doctors guilty in the food poisoning case at Nemkheda village and has sent the report to the divisional commissioner.

The inquiry committee set up by Damoh collector has found Patera community health centre doctors guilty in the food poisoning case at Nemkheda village and has sent the report to the divisional commissioner.

Meanwhile monetary help from various quarters is reaching affected family and the last rites of Latori Patel and his four children were performed on their ancestral agricultural land as per the wishes of his wife who is the only family member to have survived.

On the night of December 25, Latori Patel’s family fell seriously ill at Nemkheda village leading to vomiting and stomach pain after eating pakoras made of gram flour which was suspected to be kept with pesticide powder.

The family members were rushed to Patera Community Health Center and after long wait for a doctor their condition worsened and they were rushed to Damoh district hospital.

Latori Patel, 42, his children — three daughters and a son died — and only his wife Geeta Bai survived.

An inquiry committee under the sub divisional magistrate (SDM) and chief medical and health officer (CMHO) was set up by the collector.

Damoh Collector Shreenivas Sharma confirmed that the inquiry committee report has been received. It found that doctors were not present at Patera Community Health Center which is negligence on their part.

“I am sending the report to the divisional commissioner for further action. Geeta Bai will be provided Rs 20,000 from Family Security Fund, Widow Pension, Rs 75,000 from Karmkar Mandal Scheme, Rs 2 lakh from PM Insurance scheme. Help was also provided for cremation ceremony,” said the collector.

Hata SDM PL Samrath and TI Patera Shreansh Seth had also given `5,000 each from their side to bereaved woman and Damoh Journalists Union also collected `5,000 for the family and other social organisations are also expected to help.