Over 254 children died of malnutrition in Palghar, says CM

THANE: More than 254 children succumbed to malnutrition in Palghar , while 195 foetal deaths were recorded this year, said chief minister Devendra Fadnavis while addressing reporters at the Thane collector’s office after meeting all district officials from the Konkan division on Thursday. He said the worst-affected areas were Jawhar and Mokhada zillas, where the number of deaths has increased in comparison to the past two years.

HT Image

Fadnavis, however, said there was no unnatural cause behind this rise in the number of deaths. He also said a state-level task force, headed by the state health minister, will be formed to tackle the malnutrition issue.

The issue came to light after four children died of malnutrition since August 30. A presentation on the rate of malnutrition in was given by the district officials to the chief minister, who said corrective measures will be taken to address the issue.

Fadnavis said, “In the 2016-17, until August, 254 children and 195 foetal deaths due to malnutrition have been recorded so far. The igure for the year 2015-16 was 626 and 565 in 2014-15. This year, the number of deaths is comparatively low and there is no historical increase apart from those recorded in Jawhar and Mokhada talukas.”

Till August, 47 children died in Jawhar due to malnutrition while the number for Mokhada stood at 75. The mortality rate this year so far is 19 per 1,000 children, which is more as compared to 16 in 2015-16 and 18 in 2014-15. There are 6,034 children in the severe acute malnutrition (SAM) and moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) categories.

“We are forming a task force comprising ministers from health, women and child development and medical ministries for better co-ordination between the district facing malnutrition problem. In Palghar, we have started surveying children below the age of six through Anganwadis and medical officers. Around 111 officers have been appointed. We have included malnourished children in schemes such as Village Child Development Centre (VCDC) and Nutritional Rehabilitation Centres (NRC),” he said.