60 newborns die at West Bengal hospital in August, state seeks report

At least 60 newborns have died at Malda Medical College and Hospital (MMCH) in West Bengal in the first three weeks of August, including 10 deaths on a single day in the second week. The state health department has sought a detailed report from the hospital.

Of the 60 deaths, 44 babies were born at other facilities and referred to MMCH in critical condition, while 16 were born and died at the hospital. Dr Prasenjit Bar, medical superintendent, attributed most deaths to the critical condition of referred babies. Causes included respiratory distress, jaundice and cardiac problems.

District officials have inspected at least 16 private hospitals and nursing homes as part of the inquiry. MMCH has seen similar clusters of newborn deaths over the past 15 years, including 24 deaths in five days in 2012. The hospital serves four West Bengal districts and parts of Jharkhand.