60 child deaths: Health dept seeks Malda hospital report
Times of India | 27 August 2026
Malda: The Bengal health department on Wednesday sought a report from Malda Medical College and Hospital (MMCH) after 60 children died there in the first three weeks of Aug, including 10 deaths recorded in a single day in the second week.
The department has begun scrutinising MMCH as well as private hospitals and block-level facilities where most of the children were initially treated. Of the 10 infants who died in a single day, eight were born elsewhere and referred to MMCH in critical condition.
An initial probe is underway and a preliminary report has been sent to the state govt. Doctors said some of the newborns suffered from respiratory distress, while others had jaundice or congenital heart ailments.
MMCH superintendent Prasenjit Bar said, “It is true that 10 children died in a single day here. Eight were brought in critical condition, and two were born at this facility. We are preparing a detailed report for Swasthya Bhawan.”
Of the 60 deaths recorded in Aug, 44 involved were infants born in other facilities and referred to MMCH after their condition deteriorated. Officials have so far inspected 16 hospitals and nursing homes.
Malda district magistrate will hold a meeting on Thursday to review the situation.