A 16-month-old infant passed away at the Ballari Institute of Medical Sciences (BIMS) on Saturday, sparking outrage among the parents, who accused the hospital of negligence. In protest, they placed the infant’s body at the hospital premises, demanding accountability.

Over the past two months, seven children under the age of five have reportedly died at BIMS. With previous maternal fatalities already raising concerns, parents are now fearful for the safety of their hospitalized children. Local MLA Nara Bharath Reddy and residents have voiced their dissatisfaction with BIMS’ administration, questioning the government’s inaction.

Hospital sources, however, dismissed claims of negligence, stating that the infant was admitted with severe health complications, which ultimately led to the death. The child’s family, however, alleged that doctors were unresponsive upon admission and delayed treatment despite their repeated pleas. The baby was later moved to the ICU, where their condition worsened, and by Saturday morning, the hospital declared the child dead.

Demanding justice, the grieving family plans to submit a formal memorandum urging the government to take action against BIMS authorities. Social activist Rajendra Reddy highlighted that more than seven young children have died at the hospital recently and vowed to meet the health minister to push for stringent measures against the administration.