Child deaths major problem: Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee

KOLKATA/MALDA: Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee today said death of children in hospitals is a matter of concern not only in West Bengal but across the country.

"It is a major problem across the country. We have to address it," Mukherjee told reporters outside his residence in Kolkata.

His comment came in wake of the recent death of over 30 babies recently in government hospitals in the state.

Nine babies died at Malda District Headquarters Hospital in the last three days, while a still-born was delivered yesterday.

Earlier, 36 infants had died at several district hospitals and the referral B C Roy Children's hospital in Kolkata in October.

Meanwhile, Malda District Hospital superintendent H K Ari said a medical board has been set up to go into the reasons of the infant deaths and fix responsibility.

He, however, pointed out the deceased babies were suffering from broncho-pneumonia and low birth weight and said while two of them died soon after birth, others were brought there from villages and nearby areas.