THARPARKAR, 8 September, 2026 (Nosheen): A total of 480 newborn babies have died at Civil Hospital Mithi during the first eight months of the current year, with malnutrition, low birth weight and various illnesses among the major factors contributing to the deaths. According to hospital records, 2,732 children were admitted to the hospital from January to August, while 1,387 children were discharged after recovering and 106 were referred to other hospitals for further treatment. The monthly death toll was recorded at 70 in January, 39 in February, 54 in March, 47 in April, 65 in May, 75 in June, 69 in July and 61 in August. Health-related factors including malnutrition, poor maternal nutrition, infectious diseases and early marriages are considered among the major causes contributing to child deaths in Tharparkar. Sources said the Medical Superintendent of Civil Hospital Mithi and the District Health Officer did not provide complete information regarding the situation and continued to shift responsibility onto each other. The high number of newborn deaths highlights the serious healthcare and malnutrition challenges faced by children and families in Tharparkar, underscoring the need for improved maternal and child healthcare facilities and timely medical treatment.