Tribal Deaths: Court Slams Maharashtra Govt Negligence

The Bombay high court expressed strong disapproval of the Maharashtra government's handling of escalating child and maternal deaths in Melghat's tribal areas. Justices Ravindra Ghuge and Abhay Mantri observed that "too little is being done," despite numerous court orders and committee reports addressing malnutrition and healthcare deficiencies.

The court was informed that an estimated 900 children could die from malnutrition in Melghat alone, with similar issues affecting women and children in other tribal regions like Nandurbar and Palghar. An affidavit detailed the deaths of four children and a young mother on November 15 last year due to alleged negligence, marking a "black day" for health services in Amravati's tribal belt.

Arguments presented to the court cited a lack of road connectivity, clean water, experienced medical professionals, and frequent changes in doctor rosters as reasons for preventable deaths. The public health department stated that 105 doctors were deputed and attributed deaths to anemia, child marriage, and early pregnancies, but the court rejected these as excuses for administrative failure.

Observing that daily changes in doctor rosters impede emergency care, the court directed the government to submit a detailed compilation of past orders and compliance measures. A "future roadmap" for tribal healthcare is also required within four weeks, with the court emphasizing a "zero-tolerance approach" and the critical need to focus on the health of pregnant women, babies, and lactating mothers. The next hearing is scheduled for February 27.