Crib death toll in Malda hospital mounts to 15

Malda (WB), Jul 15: With two more infants dying in the Malda Medical College and Hospital on Tuesday, the number of crib deats has gone up to 15 in the past four days, hospital officials said.

Hospital superintendent cum Medical College vice-principal M A Rashid told PTI that the infants who succumbed today had similar symptoms of low birth weight and respiratory problems as was the case with others.

While seven infants died on Saturday, five succumbed on Sunday last. To deal with the situation, more nursing staff have been put on duty in the neonatal, paediatrics and sick new-born critical care unit, Rashid said.

Besides, 14 doctors have been posted in the three wards and would work for extended hours. The hospital has already requested the state government for more doctors.

The government hospital was in the news for the death of 23 infants due to an unspecified illness in June.

PTI