Koraput: A team from the Health Department today visited the Community Health Centre (CHC) at Borigumma in Koraput district to inquire into the cause of the mysterious death of newborns in the Borigumma block over the past few days.
The medical team comprising CDMO in charge of Koraput district headquarters hospital Dr Prasant Kumar Samal, pediatrician Dr Durgaprasad Patra and epidemiologist Sunita Jena examined reports at the CHC pertaining to the deaths of newborns. The team apart from discussing the matter with the CHC’s Medical Officer Dr Haraprasad Panigrahi also visited the villages where the deaths occurred as part of their inquiry.
While as many as 10 infants have died in Borigumma block, the largest block in the State over the past 15 days, another newborn died in Anchala today.
The team visited the deceased newborn’s home and spoke to the family members to collect information to find out the real cause of the death.
The villagers demanded an impartial inquiry to find out the cause of death.
Notably, on the 2nd of this month deaths of three newborns were reported from Nuaguda. Later, the deaths of one infant from Banka Sahi of Borigumma, two from Sasahandi, one from Nariga, one from B Baliguda, one from Anchala, and one from Patiasil were reported.
The reason behind these deaths is not known.
Water samples from these villages have been collected and sent to a laboratory for testing.
Koraput CDMO in-charge Dr Prasant Samal has said that the reason behind the death of the infants will be found out and appropriate measures will be taken for redressal.
Dr Samal added that if any negligence on part of the health workers is found action will be taken against them.
