Madhya Pradesh: Death of 116 children due to malnutrition; NHRC issues notice to govt

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Wednesday issued notice to Madhya Pradesh Government and called for a detailed report in the matter within four weeks over deaths of 116 children due to malnutrition related ailments in the Sheopur District of the state during the last five months.

Taking suo motu cognizance of the incidents, the commission has a notice to the Chief Secretary, Government of Madhya Pradesh and has called for a detailed report in the matter within four weeks.

Three Nutrition Rehabilitation centres in the district are overcrowded and lack in facilities as well as doctors.

The commission has also pointed out that it has been emphasising at every platform for proper implementation of government schemes, including ICDS, which provide for supplementary nutrition for both lactating mothers and children. It is the duty of the State to ensure that young children are not deprived of proper nutritious and balanced diet. Right to Food and Right to Health are indispensable for the exercise of other human rights. The State has to promote, protect and preserve the health of all individuals, especially the infants and young children.

Reportedly, children are forced to sleep on the floor at the Nutrition Rehabilitation Centres as there are no beds available for them. Many children, suffering from malnutrition, are not being attended by the doctors for hours.

The District Collector of Sheopur has stated that they have called doctors from the other district to attend to them. Due to overcrowding and lack of basic hygiene, the hospitals have also become prone to infection.