THARPARKAR, September 7, 2026: As many as 480 newborns died in the ICU of Civil Hospital Mithi during the first eight months of 2026, according to hospital sources.
Hospital sources said 2,273 newborns were admitted to the ICU for treatment from January to August, of whom 480 died.
A total of 1,387 newborns were discharged after treatment, while 106 were shifted to other hospitals, according to the available figures.
Sources said 126 children were taken away from the hospital by their parents against medical advice.
The highest number of newborns were admitted to the ICU in May, when 365 admissions were recorded.
Malnutrition, low birth weight and various diseases have been identified as major causes behind the newborn deaths, hospital sources said.
Malnutrition and early-age marriages are also contributing to low birth weight and poor nutrition among children in Tharparkar.
The latest figures come amid wider concerns over children’s health in Sindh. In a separate case in Karachi, more than 100 children were tested positive for HIV after receiving treatment at the government-run Kulsum Bai Valika Social Security SITE Hospital.
According to health authorities, 107 children from Orangi Town had tested positive for HIV, while nine infected children from Zia Colony had died.
Several affected families alleged that contaminated syringes were reused on children at the hospital, resulting in the spread of the virus. Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal had also stated earlier that the outbreak was caused by the reuse of contaminated syringes at Valika Hospital.
Attempts were made to contact the Civil Hospital Mithi administration regarding the newborn deaths and health problems. However, the hospital administration did not provide further details.
