NHRC, India takes suo motu cognizance of the reported deaths of at least 60 newborns during the first three weeks of August 2026 at Malda Medical College and Hospital in West Bengal

Reportedly, ten newborns died at the hospital on a single day

The Commission issues a notice to the West Bengal Chief Secretary, calling for a detailed report on the matter within two weeks

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report that at least 60 newborns died during the first three weeks of August 2026 at Malda Medical College and Hospital in West Bengal. Reportedly, ten newborns died at the hospital on a single day. 

The Commission has observed that the contents of the news report, if true, raise serious issues of violation of human rights. Therefore, it has issued a notice to the West Bengal Chief Secretary, calling for a detailed report on the matter within two weeks.

According to the media report, carried on 27^th August 2026, 44 out of the 60 newborns were referred from other medical facilities after their health condition deteriorated.