Maternal and Child Health Gaps Persist in Tribal Areas Despite High-Level Recommendations

Mumbai, 1st January 2024: Despite a report submitted to the Bombay High Court last year outlining plans to reduce maternal and child mortality in tribal areas, many of the recommendations have not been implemented, leading to a significant number of child deaths. Less than half of the budget allocated by the health department has been utilized, raising concerns about the efficiency of healthcare initiatives.

In the fiscal year 2021-22, 12,864 child deaths were reported in the state of Maharashtra, escalating to 15,466 by the end of March 2022-23. From April to October 2023, an additional 8,318 child deaths occurred. Premature delivery and low birth weight accounted for 24 per cent of these deaths, while respiratory disorders contributed to 12 per cent.

A report by Dr Pradeep Vyas, the then Additional Chief Secretary of the Tribal Department, emphasized the need for increased human development resources, enhanced health facilities, and systemic changes to strengthen maternal and child health systems in tribal areas such as Amravati and Nandurbar. The report, submitted to the High Court in December 2022, highlighted several key recommendations.

Key Recommendations Include:

1. Strengthening blood transfusion services in tribal areas.
2. Arrange blood segregation in blood banks and establish blood storage centres.
3. Setting up a special care unit for newborns.
4. Providing sonography machines in all government hospitals of Nandurbar and Amravati.
5. Exploring the possibility of ambulance availability on a single phone call.
6. Filling up vacant positions for MBBS and Ayurveda doctors.
7. Appointing paediatricians and gynaecologists with additional remuneration for those working in tribal areas.
8. Regular health check-ups for children and pregnant women.
9. Enhancing nutrition tracking for malnourished children.
10. Improving the weight and height recording process for children in Kindergarten.

Dr. Nitin Ambedkar, Joint Director of the Health Department, acknowledged that most of the recommendations have been implemented, and some initiatives are in progress. However, challenges persist, particularly in coordinating appointments in remote tribal areas, and the need for a concrete policy to address the efficiency and mental well-being of employees working in these challenging environments.

The report also raised concerns about the underutilization of the budget allocated for maternal and child health initiatives. While provisions were made in the budget, only a fraction of the allocated funds have been spent, indicating a gap in translating financial resources into effective healthcare outcomes.