10 infants die at Malda MCH in a day, Bengal government seeks report

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The death of 10 infants at Malda Medical College and Hospital in West Bengal on August 12 has sparked concern, with the West Bengal Health Department seeking a report on the deaths.

West Bengal Health Minister Sharadwat Mukherjee confirmed the development and said hospital authorities had been asked to submit a report on the death of each infant.

“The infant mortality rate has increased in Malda. We have asked for a report. We have asked for details on why it happened, what caused it,” the Minister said. Dr. Mukherjee said that the hospital was also suffering from an infestation of rodents.

Prosenjit Bar, Superintendent of Malda Medical College and Hospital, said that of the 10 infants who died in a single day, eight babies were born elsewhere and referred to the hospital, while two were born inside the hospital.

“There are several reasons for deaths like low birth rate, asphyxia, jaundice and heart related diseases. We have sent a primary report to the Health Department. The Health Minister has sought a report which we will send,” the Superintendent said.

According to State Health Department sources, about 60 infants have died at the hospital in August. Of the 60 infants, 44 were born at different health facilities and later referred to the hospital. The remaining 16 children died after delivery at the hospital.

The infant mortality rate in West Bengal is 17, lower than India’s 25, with the State ranking 14th among 30 States and Union Territories. The State, however, tops child marriage in the country, with 6.3% of women getting married before the age of 18, and this results in children being born malnourished and underweight. Malda Medical College and Hospital caters to large areas of West Bengal and adjoining districts of Bihar.

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