Newborn dies inside Nilambur forest

Kozhikode: A 30-day old Cholanayka boy died inside the Nilambur forest allegedly due to medical negligence. The death of newborn of Kariyan-Nari couple of Kannikai in Karulayi range in Nilambur occurred on August 14 in their rock cave, and the incident came to light  after three days. "It is true that the newborn has died. No one has seen it as it was buried there itself," Malappuram district programme coordinator of the NGO, Mahila Samakhya, Rajeena M. told DC. The NGO has been working for the welfare of the Cholanaykars by regularly conducting visits to their forest dwellings.

Kariyan's another child  died at Kozhikode Medical College a few months back. He has two wives and 10  children. Health workers say that the condition of Cholanaykas is very pathetic with no one to take care. The state government has announced welfare measures to protect the Cholanaykas and according to rules, delivery occurring at homes should be taken care of within 24 hours. But, they say, the health department officials wake up late to hear the death news only. "I am unaware of the incident," said district medical officer (DMO) Dr V. Ummer Farook.