Hyderabad: In a shocking development, the State-run Gandhi Hospital has faced a major surge in maternal and infant mortality rates this August.

A total of 14 mothers and 44 infants have lost their lives at the facility in August, according to reports.

The alarming development, has not only raised concerns over the quality of care provided at the hospital but also has threatened to undermine the progress made in improving maternal and child health in Telangana State in the last one-decade.

Based on the information available, between August 5 and August 30, a total of 14 mothers passed away due to complications after their delivery.

According to reports, all of the mothers who died immediately after giving birth were from various districts. Similarly, in the same time frame, a total of 44 infants, one from Andhra Pradesh while the rest from TS, died at the MCH facility.

“14 maternal deaths and 44 infant mortalities at one Government facility in just a month is shocking and it is a clear indication that there is no supervision and availability of expertise. Till last year, we used to explain with medical documents, in front of senior health officials, even if there was one single death of a pregnant mother or an infant in a government hospital in Telangana. These signs are not good for the overall IMR and MMR levels of Telangana State,” senior gynecologists familiar with the developments said.

The recent general transfers, wherein 40 percent of the staff in a government hospital were transferred to other State-run health care facilities, could also be a major reason for the spike in the maternal and infant mortality, health officials said.

“Mother and Child Health (MCH) facilities are highly specialized facilities where critically ill children and mothers are admitted from across Telangana State. You need highly trained health care personnel with proven track records. However, at present, at all the major tertiary hospitals dedicated to mother and child care in Hyderabad, including Niloufer Hospital, such experienced staff have been transferred and replaced with inexperienced individuals,” doctors said.

Expressing shock over the developments at Gandhi Hospital, BRS working president, KT Rama Rao on Wednesday took to X and demanded an immediate enquiry into the fatalities.

“Telangana consciously and very meticulously worked to bring down the infant mortality rates and maternal mortality rates. Till 2023, we had the best IMR and MMR in Telangana since Independence. I demand that the Chief Secretary immediately investigate the matter and let the citizens know where the gross negligence happened,” Rama Rao posted on X .