Three malnutrition cases reported from DK

Mangalore, May 12: Chairman of the Committee constituted by the High Court to prepare an action plan to prevent the death of children due to malnutrition, Justice N K Patil, said that he has come a cross three cases of malnutrition in an anganwadi centre at Ramanagar in Uppinangady taluk, on Friday.

He has visited four anganwadi centres in Uppinangady, Sampya and Ishwaramangala and a day care centre for endosulfan victims in Kokkada, to assess the condition of malnutrition level in Dakshina Kannada district.

Speaking to presspersons here, he said the committee for eradication of malnutrition will submit a detailed action plan to the High Court on June 12.

The committee for eradication of malnutrition was appointed by the Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court following a letter written by an Athani-based association following media reports that children were malnourished in the State.

Following the letter, the chief justice converted it into a public interest litigation and directed the committee to take up the issue and submit a report based on which directions would be given to the State government.

He said the four anganwadi centres which he visited lacked dining hall and rest room which are essential in every anganwadi centres.

If the infrastructures are improved, then Anganwadi centres in Dakshina Kannada can become model in the State. The condition of Anganwadi centres in Dakshina Kannada are much better than the rest of the State.

However, anganwadi centres in Chikkaballapura district lack infrastructure facilities, he observed.

He said the government should think of supplying region-wise food for the children in anganwadi centres. The food which is supplied to the children are not suitable for their growth.

The children should be given fresh food and not the food which has been preserved in godown for several years.

He has invited suggestions/ written statements from the public in the field of nutrition, healthcare of children and non-governmental organisations, individuals working in the field concerned, so that he can give a detailed report to the High Court.

Justice Patil said the committee would include directions on how to improve the existing situation in the State.

The report would also ensure that medical check-up is conducted under the supervision of district surgeons and experts.