Concern about the deaths of three babies at IGMH

Concerns were raised following the death of three newborn babies on Friday, at the state run Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH).

A hospital media official confirmed that one newborn baby died on Friday morning in the delivery room, while two more babies died the same night later.

The equipment in the labour room did not function correctly at the moment of the events, according to popular posts on social media. Commenters on the posts acknowledged that the hospital’s facilities were weak and heavily criticised the staff of the hospital.

The press official on Saturday, however, said the machines were working properly in the labour room. The hospital is examining the three babies’ deaths, and the official assured that necessary action will be taken.

While on Friday three newborns died, over twenty newborn babies died at IGMH over the past three months. So far this month, eight babies have passed away in the hospital.

The public has long been complaining about the hospital’s poor services. Although reforms brought about under the government of former president Abdulla Yameen strengthened hospital services, the amount of newborns who died during childbirth has recently increased. Many people on social media have raised their concerns.