Archive · 30 Aug 2026
Malda Hospital Reviews 89 Infant Deaths Reported In August
A hospital in Malda reported that 89 babies died during August.
A health department team visited the hospital to find out what happened.
The team said the deaths were being treated as a serious matter.
It found that several health problems may have contributed to the deaths.
These included poor nutrition, breathing problems after birth, heart conditions, jaundice and low birth weight.
The team also found possible problems with hospital services and coordination.
Doctors and hospital leaders joined the team during its review.
A detailed report will be sent to the state government.
A four-member health department team visited Malda Medical College and Hospital to review 89 infant and newborn deaths reported in August.
Team chairman Pralay Acharya said the number of deaths in one month was not normal and was being examined seriously.
The preliminary assessment cited malnutrition, birth-related respiratory distress, heart ailments, jaundice and low birth weight as factors.
The team identified coordination gaps in district health administration, along with infrastructure and service deficiencies.
Malda Medical College and Hospital recorded 77 baby deaths in July and 89 in August, according to sources.
- Who
- A four-member health department team, led by Pralay Acharya, reviewed the deaths with Malda Medical College and Hospital officials.
- What
- The team investigated 89 infant and newborn deaths reported at the hospital in August.
- When
- The review took place on Saturday; the deaths were reported during August, following 77 reported deaths in July.
- Where
- Malda Medical College and Hospital in Malda, north Bengal.
- Why
- The review was ordered because 89 deaths in one month were considered abnormal and required investigation.
- August deaths
- 89 infants and newborns were reported dead at the hospital.
- July deaths
- Sources reported 77 baby deaths at the hospital in July.
- Review team
- The health department team had four members.
- Team chairman
- Pralay Acharya chaired the review team.
- Preliminary factors
- Malnutrition, birth-related respiratory distress, heart ailments, jaundice and low birth weight were identified.
- Reported lapses
- The team identified coordination gaps, infrastructure deficiencies and service deficiencies.
- Next step
- A comprehensive report will be submitted to the state government.