10 infants die at Malda MCH in a day, Bengal government seeks report
Ten infant deaths were reported at Malda Medical College and Hospital on August 12, with about 60 deaths recorded in August, according to State Health Department sources
On August 12, 10 infants tragically passed away at Malda Medical College and Hospital in West Bengal, India, prompting the state health department to request a report on the incidents. Health Minister Sharadwat Mukherjee confirmed the incident, emphasizing that hospital officials had been asked to provide individual reports on each infant's death.
The minister expressed concern over the rising infant mortality rate in Malda, citing a need for investigation into the causes of these tragic deaths. Dr. Mukherjee pointed out that the hospital was also grappling with a rodent infestation, which may have contributed to the fatalities.
Superintendent Prosenjit Bar of the hospital provided additional details, stating that of the 10 infants who died within a single day, eight had been born elsewhere and referred to the hospital for care, while two were born inside the hospital itself. The deaths were attributed to various factors, including low birth weight, asphyxia, jaundice, and heart-related issues.
The hospital had already submitted an initial report to the Health Department, with the Health Minister subsequently requesting a comprehensive report to be sent forthwith, according to Bar.
State Health Department sources revealed that approximately 60 infants had succumbed to similar fates at the hospital during the month of August. Of these 60 infants, 44 were born at various healthcare facilities and later referred to Malda Medical College and Hospital, while the remaining 16 infants met their end after being delivered at the hospital.
The overall infant mortality rate in West Bengal is currently 17, notably lower than the national average of 25 and placing the state at 14th position among the 30 States and Union Territories.
However, West Bengal faces a significant social challenge with the highest rate of child marriage in the country, at 6.3%. This early marriage leads to children being born undernourished and underweight, exacerbating the already concerning infant mortality rates. Malda Medical College and Hospital serves a vast area, including parts of West Bengal and neighboring Bihar, making it a critical healthcare facility in the region.
As the state grapples with these multifaceted issues, the demand for a thorough investigation into the hospital's recent tragedies underscores the urgency of addressing the underlying factors contributing to infant mortality in the region.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
