West Bengal health officials launch probe after 60 infant deaths at Malda Medical College
The West Bengal health department has asked Malda Medical College and Hospital for a detailed report following 60 child deaths in early August, including ten fatalities on a single day.
In the first three weeks of August, 60 children died at Malda Medical College and Hospital, prompting the West Bengal health department to request a full investigation. The department has opened a review of the college and is also examining private hospitals, nursing homes and block-level health facilities that initially cared for many of the infants before referral. Ten deaths occurred on a single day; eight of those infants arrived in critical condition from other centers, while two were born at the college.
Preliminary findings, already submitted to the state government, cite respiratory distress, jaundice and congenital heart problems as causes. Superintendent Prasenjit Bar confirmed the fatalities and said a detailed report will be sent to the health department. Officials have inspected 16 hospitals so far, and the district magistrate will hold a meeting on Thursday to assess the investigation's progress.
Why it matters
The deaths expose serious newborn care failures and trigger a government review of health facilities in West Bengal.
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