Mysore/Mysuru: Deputy Commissioner G. Lakshmikanth Reddy has instructed the officials to take measures to reduce child mortality rate at Cheluvamba Hosiptal in the city to zero.

He was presiding over the review meeting on child mortality rate at Cheluvamba Hospital at the Council Hall of Mysore Medical College and Research Institute (MMC&RI) in the city yesterday.

The people in and around the district are largely dependent on Cheluvamba Hospital, especially for delivery of child. The expectant mothers should be assured of better care and various causes leading to child mortality should be addressed to bring the mortality rate to zero, said DC Reddy.

Referring to nine child mortality cases reported in August 2025, eight in December and nine in March, DC Reddy said, through the mortality rate is still less when compared to monthly rates, concerted efforts should be made by all the officers and staff of the hospital to bring them to a naught.

He also sought a report on 23 child mortality cases, mainly about the delay, if any, on the part of hospitals while referring the cases to higher hospitals. The 23 deaths that occurred between January and March this year were reported within 48 hours of delivery, after the expectant mothers were referred to Cheluvamba Hospital from elsewhere.

It is said that after admitting the expectant mothers at Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and Taluk Hospitals for two to three days, they will be referred to Cheluvamba Hospital, only after their condition became critical. If such women are brought to Cheluvamba before their condition worsens, the child mortality can be prevented by providing better treatment,  DC suggested.

MMC&RI Dean and Director Dr. K.R. Dakshayani brought to the notice of DC about the vacant positions that has become a hurdle in providing health services effectively. Five among the six posts of Paediatricians are vacant, while 96 Nurses posts are vacant, with 59 Nurses working at the hospital. Of the total 16 Group ‘D’ posts, 12 are vacant.

In January this year, 15 child mortality cases were reported, 18 in February and 9 in March, she added.

ZP CEO S. Ukesh Kumar and senior officers of MMC & RI attended the meeting.