Why is the Bombay high court critical of the Maharashtra government's actions in Melghat?

The court is critical due to the continuing high rates of child and maternal deaths, attributing them to government negligence and a lack of comprehensive solutions for malnutrition and healthcare.

What are the main causes cited for child and maternal deaths in Melghat?

Reasons include severe malnutrition, lack of proper medical facilities, inadequate road connectivity, absence of clean drinking water, and frequent changes in medical staff rosters.

What action has the Bombay high court ordered regarding Melghat's healthcare crisis?

The court has ordered the government to submit a detailed compilation of past orders and compliance measures, along with a future roadmap for tribal healthcare within four weeks.

Home / Health / Tribal Deaths: Court Slams Maharashtra Govt Negligence

Tribal Deaths: Court Slams Maharashtra Govt Negligence

20 Jan

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Summary

Court criticizes state government for continued child and maternal deaths.
Malnutrition has caused an estimated 30,000 child deaths over years.
Court orders future roadmap for tribal healthcare within four weeks.

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.