60 child deaths in 3 weeks, 10 in one day: Bengal hospital under scanner
The West Bengal health department is investigating Malda Medical College and Hospital following the deaths of 60 children within three weeks. Officials are reviewing both the hospital's internal procedures and the quality of care at smaller facilities that referred critical patients to the medical college.
Why it matters
This incident highlights critical gaps in healthcare infrastructure and referral systems in regional India, raising concerns about infant mortality and medical oversight.
MALDA: The West Bengal health department has sought a detailed report from Malda Medical College and Hospital (MMCH) after 60 children died at the facility during the first three weeks of August, including 10 deaths reported in a single day in the second week.The department has launched a review of MMCH and is also scrutinizing private hospitals, nursing homes and block-level health facilities where many of the children were initially treated before being referred to the medical college.Of the 10 children who died on the same day, eight had been born at other facilities and were brought to MMCH in critical condition. The remaining two were born at MMCH.An initial investigation is underway, and a preliminary report has already been submitted to the state government.
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