Shocking Child Mortality Rates Revealed at Delhi's Chacha Nehru Bal Chikitsalaya

An RTI inquiry revealed over 4,000 child deaths at Chacha Nehru Bal Chikitsalaya due to illnesses like sepsis and pneumonia from 2019 to mid-2023. The highest fatalities were recorded in 2019. Activist Amit Gupta highlighted the need for improved healthcare, given Delhi's reputed infrastructure.

In a startling revelation, data acquired through a Right to Information (RTI) request has shown that more than 4,000 children under the age of five have died at Delhi's Chacha Nehru Bal Chikitsalaya due to various illnesses such as sepsis, pneumonia, and septic shock from 2019 to June this year.

The peak year for these fatalities was 2019, with 875 deaths recorded. In contrast, the year with the fewest fatalities was last year, with 548 deaths. This year, until June, 314 deaths have been reported.

During 2020 and 2021, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the hospital reported 866 and 626 deaths respectively. RTI activist Amit Gupta, who sought this data, pointed out the gravity of the situation despite Delhi's reputed healthcare infrastructure, emphasizing the urgent need to reduce these child deaths.

(With inputs from agencies.)