A bench of HC judges, while hearing a batch of petitions highlighting the high number of deaths in the area, said the government must demonstrate the will and desire to effectively tackle the issue
The Bombay HC expressed shock after being informed that over 115 deaths have occurred due to malnutrition. File pic
The Bombay High Court (HC) on Monday came down strongly on the Maharashtra government, observing that it has done “too little” to address deaths of infants, pregnant women and lactating mothers due to malnutrition in the state’s tribal Melghat region, news agency PTI reported.
A bench of Justices Ravindra Ghuge and Abhay Mantri, while hearing a batch of petitions highlighting the high number of deaths in the area, said the government must demonstrate the will and desire to effectively tackle the issue.
The court expressed shock after being informed that over 115 deaths of infants, pregnant women and lactating mothers have occurred due to malnutrition, PTI reported.
In its affidavit, the state government contended that not all deaths were caused by malnutrition and that several other factors were responsible. Additional government pleader PB Samant told the court that many women in the region are married as early as 13 or 14 years of age and become pregnant soon after, with some deliveries occurring prematurely, leading to medical complications.
The bench urged the government to first ascertain the root causes of the deaths and then take effective remedial measures, PTI reported.
“Problems are many. The government must have the will and desire to overcome those problems,” the court remarked.
Melghat malnutrition deaths: HC calls for zero-tolerance approach, directs state to submit roadmap
The court said the state would have to introduce special measures and ensure the availability of basic medical facilities and amenities for those who need them the most, PTI reported.
“Too little is being done. The government has to take a zero-tolerance approach to ensure such deaths do not occur on account of common reasons, as is being seen over the last two or three decades,” the bench observed.
Posting the matter for further hearing on February 27, the court directed the government to prepare a road map outlining the steps it plans to take to address the issue. It also urged the state to spread awareness among people in the affected regions.
The court further suggested strengthening primary health centres (PHCs) and ensuring that, along with freshly graduated doctors, experienced gynaecologists and paediatricians are also made available.
(With PTI inputs)
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