Mysuru: A total of 265 infants died in just seven months in Mysuru from April to October 2017. In all, 24,433 delivery cases were recorded during this period and in Mysuru city alone, 49 deaths have been reported.

Likewise, 34 babies have died in Mysuru Taluk, 21 in T. Narasipur, 29 in Nanjangud, 24 in H.D. Kote, 10 in Hunsur, 18 in Periyapatna and 26 babies have died in K.R. Nagar.

Eighteen mothers have died due to delivery complications during the same period.

These alarming statistics were revealed at District Health Mission meeting held at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office yesterday that was attended by Health Department officials from district, taluk and village levels, Primary Health Centres and nurses.

The officials attributed the cause for baby deaths to wrong breast-feeding position and birth-related complications such as pneumonia.

In 2015-16, from April to March, 37,713 deliveries were reported in Mysuru district out of this 508 babies and 30 mothers died. In 2016-17, from April to March, there were 40,800 deliveries out of which 427 babies and 20 mothers have died.

Explaining the reasons for the death of children, Health Officers told Deputy Commissioner D. Randeep that the new-borns faced respiratory problems as their mothers breast-fed them in sleeping position which suffocated the babies. They said other babies died due to pneumonia and some health issues.

Responding to the officials’ explanation, Randeep asked Anganawadi and Asha volunteers to create awareness about breast-feeding among mothers and mothers-to-be.

He also directed officials and doctors to take steps to prevent the deaths of children and mothers by providing attentive service.

Later, the DC heard the grievances of parents who had lost their babies due to complications in deliveries. Husbands who had lost their wives during delivery were also given a hearing at the meeting.