President of the People’s National Party (PNP), Mark Golding, is pressing Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness to respond urgently to the recent spike in neonatal deaths at the Victoria Jubilee Hospital.

Reports emerged last week that 24 newborns have died at the Kingston facility since June 1.

Speaking at a PNP divisional conference in St. Andrew at the weekend, Mr. Golding said the country is watching closely to see how the Prime Minister will handle the situation.

Meanwhile, Opposition Spokesman on Health, Dr. Alfred Dawes has criticized the government for what he said is its lack of accountability in relation to the deaths.

Dr. Dawes also expressed concern that so far, no compassionate statement has come from the Minister of Health to the grieving families affected by the tragedy.