NHRC demands detailed report on 116 malnutrition deaths from MP govt

Overcrowded rehabilitation centres in the Sheopur district lack doctors and facilities

The National Human Rights Commission issued notice to Madhya Pradesh government on September 28, calling for a detailed report  on the deaths of 116 children, who died due to malnutrition related ailments in the Sheopur district of the state in past five months.

Taking suo motu cognizance of incidents, the commission has a sent a notice to the chief secretary of the Government of Madhya Pradesh, asking him to submit the report within four weeks.

The three nutrition rehabilitation centres in the district, are overcrowded and lack facilities as well as doctors.

The commission has also pointed out that it has been emphasizing on the proper implementation of government schemes like the  ICDS, which provide for supplementary nutrition for both lactating mothers and children.

However, it is the duty of the regional authorities to ensure that young children are not deprived of a proper, nutritious and balanced diet. Right to food and right to health are indispensable for the exercise of other human rights. The state government 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 rehabilitation centres as there are no beds available for them. Many children, suffering from malnutrition, are not being attended by doctors.

The District Collector of Sheopur  said they have called doctors from other districts to attend malnourished children. Due to overcrowding and lack of basic hygiene, the hospitals, themselves, pose a potential threat of spreading infections.