Kolkata, Jan 23: Attributing crib deaths to underweight and malnourished babies, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Tuesday said the influx of patients from neighbouring Bihar was a problem.
"You know what our problem is? Many people from Bihar bring their children for treatment to hospitals in Malda and Murshidabad (districts)," Banerjee said while inaugurating a fair price medicine shop here.
She was quick to add: "Bihar is our neighbour and we have to treat children coming from there. We are ready to do it. You cannot discriminate between human beings."
Hospitals in Malda district have been in the news for regular crib deaths. In January last year alone, 100 such deaths were recorded.
Banerjee blamed underage marriage of girls for premature and underweight babies.
"Crib deaths are happening because most of the babies are born premature and are grossly underweight and malnourished. The problem is underage marriage of girls and lack of infrastructure in rural and remote areas," she said.
She claimed that infant mortality during her regime had dropped to 19 percent from 23 percent in early 2011.
"To reduce crib deaths, we will be setting up 40 SNCUs (Special Newborn Care Units) by Mar 31. Of these 21 are already operating. We are also planning to set up 11 mother-child hubs for special treatment to such babies," added Banerjee.
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