A fresh review of neonatal mortality data from Mysuru’s state-run Cheluvamba Hospital has reignited conversations around high-risk obstetric referrals, neonatal infections, and gaps in rural maternal awareness programs. Over the last 15 months, the hospital recorded 551 newborn deaths among 4,746 deliveries, placing the neonatal mortality rate at 11.8%. Hospital authorities linked the deaths primarily to prematurity, birth asphyxia, infections, congenital anomalies, and maternal malnutrition.
According to officials, many of the affected neonates were born before 37 weeks of gestation or arrived with low birth weight and respiratory distress. Conditions such as neonatal sepsis, pneumonia, and meningitis were also reported frequently, particularly in cases associated with delayed treatment, poor hygiene practices, and inadequate cord care. Most deaths reportedly occurred during the first…
