The Belagavi Institute of Medical Sciences (BIMS) has submitted a report to the Chief Minister’s office regarding the recent deaths of newborns at the hospital. According to the report, 167 newborns passed away between January and October 2024.
In the document, addressed to Dr. K Vaishnavai, special officer to the CM, and BIMS Director Dr. Ashok Kumar Shetty, the administration clarified that none of the deaths resulted from an oxygen shortage or malfunctioning medical air compressors. The BIMS director stated that the deaths were due to various causes, including low birth weight, underdeveloped foetuses, respiratory issues, and other complications.
The report follows allegations from family members of the deceased, who claimed that oxygen shortages and faulty compressors were responsible for the deaths. After media coverage of these claims, the CM’s office sought clarification. Meanwhile, Belagavi MP Jagadish Shettar on Wednesday called for a thorough investigation, stating that the newborn deaths are a grave concern that warrants detailed scrutiny.
