State government orders inquiry

The Gujarat government has ordered an inquiry into the deaths of 111 newborns in five months at the Adani Education and Research Foundation-run G.K. General Hospital here.

As per data released by the hospital, 111 infants died in the first five months of 2018, ending May 20.

While the hospital management cited reasons, including delayed admission or malnutrition for the deaths, the government has formed a team of experts to conduct the inquiry.

Experts’ team at work

“We have formed a team of experts to probe the reasons for the deaths. We will take appropriate steps after the team submits its report,” Gujarat Commissioner of Health Jayanti Ravi said.

According to data shared by hospital superintendent G.S. Rao, out of 777 newborn babies (both admitted post-birth and those born in the hospital) between January 1 and May 20, a total of 111 did not survive, which shows a mortality rate of 14%.

‘Situation improving’

In 2017, a total of 258 infants died, while 184 and 164 infants died in the hospital in 2016 and 2015.

“The percentage of deaths against admission was 19% in 2015, 18% in 2016 and 21% in 2017, which was relatively higher,” Mr. Rao told reporters here.

“Since the mortality rate is 14% this year, I think it is less than the previous years. And the way we are working, it will remain the lowest at the end of this year,” he added.

He said the delay in referring children to the hospital was one of the reasons for the deaths, as crucial time is wasted in travelling to Bhuj from the interior parts of Kutch district.

“One of the reasons for death is premature births. Another reason is malnutrition as the mothers may not have taken a proper diet, which helps the baby to gain weight inside the womb. Delayed reference is also one of the reasons,” said Mr. Rao.

“If a family comes here travelling 250 km, the delay would certainly affect the chances [of survival]. Our staff regularly discuss these issues, and we are working to reduce the deaths,” he added.