Inquiries into Indian medical facility mortality

Medical facilities in India are facing scrutiny following reports of increased mortality among newborns and mothers. In West Bengal, Malda Medical College and Hospital is under investigation after 60 newborns died during the first three weeks of August, including a period where 10 infants died in one day. Hospital officials noted many patients arrived in critical condition with complications such as respiratory distress and congenital heart disease.

In Madhya Pradesh, authorities are investigating the deaths of Kalpna Mishra and her newborn at Medical College Rewa. Following allegations of negligence and a video showing the patient in distress, the state government suspended two doctors—Dr Sonal Agarwal and Dr Nidhi Pandey—and two nursing officers. A five-member committee has been formed to investigate the circumstances of the deaths.

Further details have emerged regarding the incident at Gandhi Memorial Hospital in Rewa, where the deaths occurred in the early hours of August 26. The suspensions follow allegations of gross negligence and misconduct from the victim’s family. A viral video surfaced showing the woman emerging from an operating theatre, pleading for help and accusing medical staff of attempting to kill her before being restrained by hospital employees. While the hospital superintendent denied negligence, stating that treatment followed medical protocols for severe pre-eclampsia, Madhya Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Health Minister Rajendra Shukla has ordered an impartial investigation. A joint post-mortem examination was conducted at the request of the relatives.