Sun Dec 08 13:58:49 UTC 2024: **Karnataka Government to Investigate High Infant and Maternal Mortality Rate in Belagavi**
BELAGAVI, KARNATAKA – The Karnataka government has announced an inquiry into the high number of infant and maternal deaths in Belagavi district, following concerns raised by the public and political figures. According to the Health Department, 322 infants and 29 pregnant women have died in the district this year, with 172 deaths reported at the Belagavi Institute of Medical Sciences (BIMS) Hospital alone. Officials attribute the high mortality rate to various factors including malnutrition, low birth weight, and respiratory illnesses.
However, BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal has demanded a judicial inquiry, alleging deep-rooted corruption within the government as the cause. He claims that substandard drugs and food supplied to hospitals are responsible, and accused previous and current governments of complicity. He further criticized Women and Child Welfare Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar, whose constituency is in the district, holding her accountable for the situation. A team of BJP leaders, including B.Y. Vijayendra, will visit BIMS Hospital to assess the situation. Minister Hebbalkar stated that the government will investigate whether substandard drugs, as seen in similar incidents in Ballari, are a contributing factor in Belagavi. The investigation will explore all potential causes for the alarming death toll.
First Piper 