As many as 480 newborns died while receiving treatment in the intensive care unit (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 between January and August 2026. Of those, 480 died during treatment.
According to the available hospital data, 1,387 newborns were discharged after recovering, while another 106 patients were transferred to other hospitals for further treatment.
Another 126 children were taken away by their parents against medical advice.
Hospital sources said the highest number of newborn admissions was recorded in May, when 365 babies were brought to the ICU.
Malnutrition, low birth weight and different illnesses have been identified as the main causes behind the deaths.
Sources said malnutrition and early-age marriages are also contributing to low birth weight and poor nutrition among children in Tharparkar.
The latest figures have emerged amid wider concerns about child health in Sindh.
In a separate case in Karachi, more than 100 children tested positive for HIV after receiving treatment at the government-run Kulsum Bai Valika Social Security SITE Hospital.
Health authorities said 107 children from Orangi Town tested positive for HIV, while nine infected children from Zia Colony died.
Several affected families alleged that contaminated syringes were reused on children at the hospital, claiming that the practice may have contributed to the spread of the virus.
Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal had previously said the outbreak was linked to the reuse of contaminated syringes at Valika Hospital.
Attempts were also made to obtain comments from the Civil Hospital Mithi administration regarding the newborn deaths and the health concerns raised by families. However, the hospital administration did not provide further details.
