Why is ICMR being involved in Melghat's health issues?

ICMR may be involved to study the underlying causes of persistent anemia, malnutrition, and infant mortality in the Melghat region.

What are the main challenges faced by Melghat's health centers?

Melghat health centers face shortages of doctors, funds, and adequate infrastructure, including poor road connectivity.

How do superstitions affect healthcare in Melghat?

Tribal superstitions lead to delayed or rejected medical care, including harmful traditional practices for infants and refusal of essential treatments for pregnant women.

Home / Health / ICMR Tapped for Tribal Health Study

ICMR Tapped for Tribal Health Study

6 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Health officials visited Melghat after HC order on infant mortality.
Lack of doctors, funds, and poor infrastructure plague health centers.
Tribal superstitions hinder access to medical care for mothers and infants.

Health officials undertook a significant tour of the Melghat region in Amravati district to assess critical health issues, particularly high rates of anemia, malnutrition, and infant mortality. This visit was prompted by a Bombay High Court directive following reports of numerous infant deaths. Despite efforts to enhance medical care and nutrition, these problems continue to trouble the tribal-dominated area.

The assessment revealed deep-rooted challenges, including a severe lack of doctors and essential funds at local health centers and hospitals. Inadequate road infrastructure further isolates villages, impeding access to medical facilities. Furthermore, prevalent superstitions among tribal communities pose a significant barrier, with some resorting to harmful traditional practices instead of seeking professional medical help for sick infants or pregnant women.

In response to these findings and suggestions from activists, the state government is considering requesting the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to conduct a detailed study into the persistent health concerns. A review meeting of the visiting teams is scheduled to compile a report, with officials expressing a cautious optimism for future improvements in the region's health landscape.