90 infants die in two months in Rajasthan hospital
After UP's BRD, a Rajasthan hospital is in the news for the 90 children's deaths it recorded in just two months. Asphyxia was the major cause behind the disturbing July-August statistics at Banswara's MG Hospital. The number of infant deaths has shot up: from 20 in April and 18 in May, it touched 26 in June, 50 in July and 40 in August.
Rise in cases of asphyxiation, underweight newborns
The common causes behind the deaths in the sick newborn care unit (SNCU) are respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis, meconium aspiration syndrome, major congenital malformation and prematurity. However, the significant rise in the number of asphyxia deaths is a cause of concern. Deaths of underweight children (below 1.5kg) have also increased: from 6 in April, 4 in May, 14 in July to 20 in August.
The administration is examining the matter
The cause of deaths and whether negligence played a role is being investigated. Why many women are delivering underweight children is also being probed. Last month, the Banswara administration launched the Pukar program to encourage institutional deliveries and proper maternal care. "If we see an increase in deaths after Pukar, we can also say that we have saved many," said District collector Bhagwati Kalal.
