Ten newborns reportedly died at Malda Medical College and Hospital on a single day in the second week of August, triggering concern within the state health administration. Following the incident, the West Bengal Health Department has sought a detailed report from the medical college to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the deaths. Hospital authorities said that eight of the deceased infants had been referred to Malda Medical College from other healthcare facilities in critical condition. The remaining two infants were born at Malda Medical College and Hospital.
Most Infants Were Referred in Critical Condition
The deaths reportedly occurred at the hospital’s dedicated maternal and neonatal facility, known as ‘Matrima’, which has around 1,120 beds and caters to mothers and newborns. According to hospital authorities, most of the infants who died had been brought to the medical college in serious condition from other hospitals. Officials said that the circumstances of each death are being examined as part of the assessment sought by the Health Department.
Health Department Seeks Detailed Report
The incident reportedly came to the attention of the state health authorities after details of the deaths were uploaded to the department’s website several days later. The matter subsequently raised concern within the health administration, prompting the department to seek a comprehensive report from the hospital.
The death certificates reportedly cited multiple medical factors, including respiratory distress and jaundice, among the causes associated with the deaths. However, the fact that 10 newborns died at the facility on the same day prompted the authorities to seek further details.
Meeting Held at Malda District Magistrate’s Office
Meanwhile, the deaths have sparked concern among patients’ families and local residents, who are awaiting clarity from the authorities on what happened at the hospital on the day in question.
Malda Medical College Superintendent Prosenjit Bar said, “Of the 10 children, only two were born at Malda Medical College. The remaining children had been referred to Malda Medical College from other healthcare facilities in critical condition.”
He added that the health authorities had sought a report on the matter. “An initial report has been sent. A detailed report will be submitted later,” he said.
A meeting was also held at the Malda District Magistrate’s office on Thursday to discuss the incident and the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Officials Express Concern Over Infant Deaths
A hospital official described the situation as a matter of concern, particularly because the deaths occurred within a single day.
“The infant mortality figures from a single district over a week can have an impact on the overall infant mortality statistics of the state. The incident is concerning even in the broader national context,” the official said.
Referral Status to Be Examined
However, hospital authorities have emphasised that eight of the deceased infants were referred to the medical college in critical condition. This distinction is likely to be examined in the detailed report sought by the Health Department.
The incident has once again drawn attention to the condition of neonatal care and referral systems in government hospitals. Malda Medical College serves as an important referral centre for patients from Malda and neighbouring districts, meaning that critically ill newborns are frequently transferred there from other healthcare facilities.
