Ten newborns died in a single day at West Bengal's Malda Medical College and Hospital, prompting the state health department to seek a detailed report from the hospital authorities. According to hospital sources, the deaths occurred during the second week of August.
Of the 10 infants who died, eight had been referred to Malda Medical College after being born at other government hospitals or private nursing homes. The victims were brought to the medical college in critical condition and died due to complications such as respiratory distress, jaundice and cardiac problems.
The hospital has acknowledged the deaths and said a preliminary report has already been submitted to Swasthya Bhavan, with a detailed report to follow.
“Ten infants died in a single day at Malda Medical College. However, only two of them were born at this facility; the others had been referred here from outside in critical condition,” Medical Superintendent Prasenjit Bar said.
He said that Swasthya Bhavan had sought a report on the deaths. “We have already submitted a preliminary report to the health department, and the comprehensive report will be sent shortly,” Bar added.
The health department’s move came amid concerns over the deaths, with the detailed report expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and the condition of the infants when they were brought to the medical college.
