NHRC Takes Suo Motu Cognizance of Reported Deaths of 60 Newborns at Malda Medical College Hospital.
Commission Seeks Detailed Report from West Bengal Chief Secretary Within Two Weeks; 10 Newborns Reportedly Died in a Single Day.
New Delhi:
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India, has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report concerning the deaths of at least 60 newborns at Malda Medical College and Hospital in West Bengal during the first three weeks of August 2026.
According to the media report, 10 newborns reportedly died at the hospital on a single day, raising serious concerns over the circumstances surrounding the deaths and the availability and quality of medical care provided to critically ill infants.
Taking note of the reported deaths, the NHRC has observed that, if the contents of the media report are found to be true, they raise serious issues of violation of human rights.
The Commission has therefore issued a notice to the Chief Secretary of West Bengal, directing the state government to submit a detailed report within two weeks on the matter.
44 Newborns Reportedly Referred from Other Facilities
The media report, published on August 27, 2026, stated that out of the 60 newborns whose deaths were reported, 44 had been referred to Malda Medical College and Hospital from other medical facilities after their health conditions deteriorated.
The reported referrals indicate that a significant number of the infants were already in critical condition when they reached the medical college hospital. The circumstances leading to the deterioration of their health, the treatment provided at the referring facilities and the care extended after admission are among the aspects that may require examination by the concerned authorities.
The NHRC’s intervention is aimed at obtaining clarity from the state government regarding the reported deaths and the circumstances in which they occurred.
NHRC Seeks Accountability and Details
The Commission’s notice to the West Bengal Chief Secretary comes amid concerns regarding the protection of newborns receiving medical treatment at the government-run facility.
The detailed report sought by the NHRC is expected to provide information regarding the deaths, the medical circumstances involved and the steps taken by the state authorities to investigate the reported fatalities.
The Commission has emphasised that the allegations, if substantiated, could have significant human rights implications. Its suo motu action follows its mandate to take cognizance of reported incidents involving possible violations of human rights and seek responses from the authorities concerned.
The NHRC’s action places the reported deaths at Malda Medical College and Hospital under formal human rights scrutiny. The state government’s response within the stipulated two-week period will be crucial in establishing the facts surrounding the reported deaths and the measures being taken by the authorities.
