Understanding the Melghat Malnutrition Crisis and Its Implications

Melghat Malnutrition Crisis: An Overview

The recent observations made by the Bombay High Court regarding the Melghat malnutrition crisis have raised serious concerns about governmental accountability in handling the issue. The court criticized both the Maharashtra and Union governments for their lackadaisical approach, especially in light of the disturbing rise in infant deaths attributed to malnutrition in this tribal-dominated region.

Current Status of Malnutrition in Melghat

In the Amravati district, which includes predominantly Korku tribal communities, the malnutrition crisis has persisted for over three decades. Despite various governmental initiatives, the region continues to grapple with:

• Food insecurity
• High infection rates
• Poor access to healthcare services
• Severe anaemia among infants

Infant Mortality Rates: A Disturbing Trend

Melghat comprises the Dharni and Chikhaldara talukas, which include 324 villages. The rates of infant mortality remain alarmingly high. Officials attribute these deaths not only to malnutrition but also to:

• Anaemia
• Sickle cell disease
• Pneumonia
• Delayed medical treatment due to poor connectivity

However, the petitioner contends that malnutrition significantly exacerbates the severity of these conditions, resulting in fatal outcomes without timely intervention.

Statistics on Malnutrition

According to an affidavit submitted to the High Court, there were:

• 10,000 children identified with severe acute malnutrition (SAM) as of November 2024
• Dharni: 1,290 children
• Chikhaldara: 788 children

The district administration has initiated interventions like hot cooked food schemes, which include providing eggs and bananas four times a week, and establishing Village Child Development Centres (VCDC). However, persistent issues like connectivity and healthcare access remain unresolved.

Wider Malnutrition Challenges in Maharashtra

According to the Women & Child Welfare Minister and Poshan Tracker data from February 2025, Maharashtra is home to:

• 1.82 lakh malnourished children
• 30,800 with Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM)
• 1,51,643 with Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM)

The Indian Institute of Population Studies (IIPS) Mumbai indicates that Maharashtra's nutrition indicators are starkly poor, revealing that:

• 35% of children are stunted
• 35% are underweight
• 26% are wasted

Challenges Contributing to Melghat's Crisis

The region's infrastructural deficiencies significantly hinder access to urgent medical care:

• Poor road conditions complicate timely hospital visits.
• Inconsistent electricity supply disrupts both residences and healthcare facilities.
• The shortage of fully functional Primary Health Centres (PHCs) forces reliance on distant hospitals.

Fragmented Governance and Coordination Issues

Experts suggest that fragmented governance leads to:

• Irregular supply of nutrition supplements
• Poor monitoring of malnutrition cases
• Weak coordination in policy implementation

Addressing Healthcare Workforce Challenges

Melghat continues to face challenges in recruiting and retaining healthcare professionals, with high absenteeism rates despite improved salaries and incentives. Cultural reliance on traditional healing practices also delays effective treatment.

Breaking the Cycle of Intergenerational Malnutrition

Health challenges often begin before birth, as many tribal women enter pregnancy underweight and anaemic, resulting in low-birth-weight babies susceptible to infections. This perpetuates a cycle of malnutrition across generations.

Expert Solutions for Melghat's Malnutrition Crisis

Experts advocate for a holistic, coordinated approach to combat malnutrition in Melghat, recommending:

• Strengthening healthcare systems focused on maternal and child health.
• Empowering ASHA workers through enhanced training for early identification of malnutrition.
• Integrating health and nutrition interventions for comprehensive care.
• Engaging communities in shifting harmful practices and building trust in modern healthcare.
• Ensuring interdepartmental collaboration across health, women & child development, and social welfare sectors.
• Improving doctor recruitment and retention through better working conditions.

Conclusion

The crisis in Melghat extends beyond mere food scarcity; it is a complex interplay of poor infrastructure, healthcare gaps, cultural practices, and administrative inefficiencies. Addressing these issues requires a synchronized, multi-sector effort to eradicate malnutrition and reduce infant mortality.