Malda:
At least nine infants have died at the Malda Medical College Hospital in West Bengal over the last 24 hours.
The cause of the death of the infants, all below one year, was due to premature birth, low weight and respiratory problem, College Vice Principal MA Rashid said today.
A seven-member inquiry committee under Malda's chief medical officer of health has been formed by the district magistrate to look into the deaths. The committee will submit its report within 24 hours, he said.
The family of the victims came to the hospital from nearby Kaliachowk, Harishchandrapur, Gajole, Chancole, Aridanga, English Bazaar and Barsoi areas.
Dr Rashid said the hospital has decided to set up 35 more beds to deal with cases relating to infants.