Chhindwara (Madhya Pradesh) [India], October 6 (ANI): Madhya Pradesh Congress President Jitu Patwari on Monday demanded the removal of Health Minister Rajendra Shukla following the death of 14 children in Chhindwara.

He met the families of children who lost their lives after consuming cough syrup.

'Our Chief Minister is coming here today after eight days. When the first child died, our MLA had written a letter for an investigation. But it (death of children) is an example of complete negligence. I request the Chief Minister to dismiss the Health Minister immediately and then only it will look like you have taken the matter seriously. Financial assistance of Rs 1 crore each should be provided to the affected families,' Patwatri told ANI.

Earlier today, Madhya Pradesh Leader of Opposition (LoP), Umang Singhar, also slammed Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and Health Minister Shukla over the deaths of children in Chhindwara,demanding an ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh each for the victims and a job for their families.

Singhar told ANI, 'Now, when so many children have died, you have banned that company. But you are filing a case against the doctor. What is the doctor's fault? Thousands of doctors write prescriptions, but the company manufactures the medicine. The government appoints the Drug Controller to deal with the medicine company. Why haven't you held the Drug Controller accountable?'

He asked the Chief Minister to take action before the situation further deteriorates and requested that he summon the Health Minister.

He said, 'And Chief Minister, will you wake up when Madhya Pradesh turns into a graveyard? I believe immediate action is necessary. The Chief Minister should immediately seek answers from the Health Minister. He should summon him. A clean chit was given to the cough syrup company.'

'I would like to urge the Health Minister and Chief Minister to take immediate action and conduct a judicial inquiry. Victims should be given Rs 10 lakh each. If there is anyone in their family, they should be given a job,' Singhar added.

At least 14 deaths have been reported due to the alleged consumption of a cough syrup in Madhya Pradesh's Chhindwara so far, while eight children have been admitted to a hospital, said an official. (ANI)