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

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India has taken suo motu cognizance of media reports regarding the deaths of at least 60 newborns during the first three weeks of August 2026 at Malda Medical College and Hospital in West Bengal, which included ten deaths on a single day. Observing that these reports raise serious issues of human rights violations if true, the Commission has issued a notice to the Chief Secretary of West Bengal demanding a detailed report within two weeks. The media report also noted that 44 of the deceased newborns were referred from other medical facilities after their health deteriorated.