The number of newborn deaths at Malda Medical College and Hospital in West Bengal has crossed 75 in August. The Health Department and district administration have launched an inquiry after 10 babies died in a single day.
The hospital has submitted a report to the Health Department. Meanwhile, the district administration has also sought a separate report. On Thursday, the Additional District Magistrate held a meeting with medical college officials.
The administration wants to find out how the number of deaths crossed 75 in a single month. The hospital management presented several points during the meeting.
These will be included in a detailed report. Further action will be decided based on the report. New guidelines are also being prepared to prevent such deaths.
Treatment also under investigation
The treatment process after admission, the condition of the babies and any lapses in treatment will also be examined. Investigators will also look into other possible reasons behind the deaths apart from medical causes.
8 of the 10 babies had been referred
Critically ill newborns are referred to Malda Medical College from neighbouring districts as well as Bihar and Jharkhand. Of the 10 newborns who died in a single day, eight had been referred from other hospitals and nursing homes.
Dr Prasenjit Kumar Bar, who is serving as the Medical Superintendent, said all the babies were treated in the CCU, but their condition was so critical that they could not be saved.
