Bhopal: National Human Rights Commission on Wednesday sought a report from Madhya Pradesh government on death of 116 children due to malnutrition-related ailments in tribal-dominated district of Sheopur in the state in the past five months. Taking suo motu cognizance of reports of malnutrition deaths in the district, the commission described the situation as “distressing” and as a “matter of concern”.
The commission sought a detailed report from the state government on the situation within four weeks. The NHRC in a strongly worded communication to state chief secretary stated that the death of children due to malnutrition and lack of health care amounted to “violation of human rights of children” by the state.
The commission observed, reportedly “children are forced to sleep on the floor at the Nutrition Rehabilitation Centres as there are no beds available. Many children suffering from malnutrition are not being attended by doctors”.
The chief health medical officer in the district has admitted that 116 children died due to malnutrition-related ailments, the NHRC said. Official reports reaching here from Sheopur said the three Nutrition Rehabilitation Centres are overcrowded causing serious hygiene problems for the affected children. Of the total 80,918 children identified as being affected by malnutrition, 19,724 are diagnosed as severe malnutrition affected.
