Maharashtra government to launch special drive to curb malnutrition deaths in Palghar

Mumbai city news: The drive will be launched on June 15, during which medical camps will be held every weekend

The Maharashtra government would be launching a special drive from June 15 to curb malnutrition in Palghar district. The region has remained in the headlines for high number of child malnutrition deaths.

Palghar has remained in the headlines following deaths of malnourished children. (HT photo)

Government officials and ministers would be visiting the 26 tribal hamlets in Palghar and form groups comprising sarpanch, aanganwadi workers and gramsevaks to provide help and nutritious meals to malnourished children.

Health minister Deepak Sawant said, “Most tribal families from Palghar migrate in search of employment in October-November and return home in June. They take their children along. We will organise health camps for women and children. Help will be sought from private pediatricians and women’s health experts.”

Special attention would be given to undernourished and malnourished children. Government will also ensure that these children would be looked after even if their families migrate.

In the last four months, the state organised 82 medical camps with the help of private and public hospitals during which 6,481 children checked. Of these, 2,945 children were diagnosed with moderate malnutrition and 1,493 were severely malnourished.

Sawant said that state’s efforts have shown results and added that a survey was underway to ascertain causes for malnutrition deaths. Also, a detailed report of the work undertaken by his team in the past four months was given to chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday.

“The number of child malnutrition deaths was highest in Mokhada village. But in the past one month, there hasn’t been a single such incident,” he said.