10 newborns dead in a single day at Malda Medical College; probe launched
On August 24, ten newborns died at Malda Medical College and Hospital (MMCH), prompting health officials to launch an investigation into infant mortality rates in the district. According to MMCH superintendent Prosenjit Bar, eight of the deceased infants were born in other hospitals or nursing homes in the district and brought to MMCH in critical condition.
The remaining two were born at MMCH. Of the 60 infant deaths reported at the hospital since August 1, 44 were born in other facilities and later referred to MMCH due to health complications, while 16 died after being delivered at the hospital itself. Reported ailments include respiratory distress, jaundice, and heart problems. State Health Minister Shardwat Mukhopadhyay expressed concern over the rising infant mortality rate in Malda and requested a detailed report from MMCH.
Inspections have been initiated at private hospitals and nursing homes across the district, with searches conducted at 16 facilities. Union Minister of State for Education Sukanta Majumdar attributed the poor infrastructure at MMCH to the previous Trinamool Congress government, acknowledging that improving the situation will take time and resources.
Written by urgent.news from The Indian Express's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
