Infants death toll rises to 20 in West Bengal

The death toll of infants in West Bengal's Malda District has risen to 20.

Doctors are now seriously pondering over the issue and are planning to introduce modern healthcare facilities.

A hospital in Malda District, which provides healthcare services to the district and other nearby areas, has witnessed a sudden surge in crib deaths.

Out of 20, three infants died on Monday night. The gloomy chapter started on Saturday afternoon when seven infants lost their lives before celebrating their first birthday.

One of the bereaved mothers, Bandana Mandal, told reporters about her child.

"My child was suffering from jaundice. We admitted the child on Sunday. Since last evening the child was suffering from high fever. The doctor checked and told us that the child is not in healthy condition," said Mandal.

The infants were mainly admitted from Manikchok, Kaliachok and Ratua blocks under the district.

Doctors state that the cause of the deaths is infants born underweight and asphyxia.

Talking over the incident, Vice Principal of Malda Medical College and Hospital, M K Rasid, said they are pondering over taking quick steps to introduce a new infant ward equipped with the latest health care facilities.

"Most of the infants are dying because of low birth weight, which is leading to quick infection in the infants. We are pondering on the issue and we will be starting a new ward especially for infants with latest machines," said Rasid.

Meanwhile, a medical training camp for the hospital staff has been organised in the hospital to save the infants. It is reported that within this year, 39 infants died earlier due to the same cause.