The National Human Rights Commission has issued a notice to the Government of Maharashtra over the reported high number of deaths at the Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) in Akola district Women Hospital. <br/><br/>The 4,170 infants had to be admitted to the SNCU out of them 1,472 died in 2016-17. The Medical Superintendent has reportedly stated that every month, they admit at least 250 babies in the SNCU and there is a need for more hands to cope up with the high number of patients. <br/><br/>The Commission has sought a detailed report from the Chief Secretary in the matter and the steps being taken and also proposed to be taken to deal with the gruesome situation within six weeks. <br/><br/>The Commission observed that if media report is correct, it clearly indicates towards shortage of doctors, nurses and other staff at the government hospital. <br/><br/>The deaths of the newly born babies in such a large number, is also indicative of gross negligence on the part of the state government, hospital management and the concerned departments. <br/><br/>These amount to serious issue of violation of human rights of the innocent babies as wells as their families and demands immediate time-bound action by the State Government.