21 Newborn Deaths Raise Concerns at Thane’s CSMH, Triggers Legislative Inquiry
Thane, 6th July 2024: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Hospital (CSMH), also known as Kalwa Hospital, in Thane, Maharashtra, has once again faced scrutiny as 21 newborn babies died in the span of one month, specifically in June.
Dr Jayesh Panot, a child specialist, disclosed that out of these deaths, 15 babies were born at the hospital while six were referred from elsewhere. He highlighted low birth weight and premature delivery as the primary causes behind these fatalities.
“Among the 21 newborns, 19 were premature, one didn’t cry after birth, and one had an infection,” Dr Panot explained, attributing these factors to the deaths that occurred in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
Dr. Panot expressed concerns about the timing of admissions, stating, “By the time the infants reach our hospital, crucial time has already passed, limiting our medical options to save them.”
Congress MLA Amin Patel addressed the issue in the assembly, questioning accountability for the deaths. He emphasized reports suggesting delays in providing essential medications immediately after birth, which, according to doctors, contributed to the fatalities. Patel urged the state’s health minister to take swift action to prevent such incidents in the future.
This incident at CSMH echoes a previous tragedy in August 2023 when 18 patients died within 24 hours, prompting a government investigation.
