The Centre has asked the Madhya Pradesh government to investigate the death of nearly 200 children under the age of six years in four districts of the state.
Replying to a written question in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Panabaka Lakshmi said that the Central Government was aware that a large number of children had died in Madhya Pradesh.
Following this it had asked the Madhya Pradesh government to submit a report.
As per the report submitted by the Government of Madhya Pradesh, deaths of 172 children under the age of six years have been reported from four districts-- Shivpuri, Khandwa, Satna and Sheopur.
The cause of the deaths is still under investigation and the state government would send a further report when the reason is confirmed, she said.
The minister further said that the state of Madhya Pradesh is implementing a Bal Sanjivani Campaign at six-monthly intervals where malnourished children are identified.
To manage severe malnutrition in children under five years of age, Madhya Pradesh Government has established 121 nutrition rehabilitation centres at district hospital and block level Community Health Centres.
From April to August 2008 more than 6,000 severely malnourished children have been treated at these centres.
{{/usCountry}}From April to August 2008 more than 6,000 severely malnourished children have been treated at these centres.
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