Mumbai : The problem of malnutrition and child mortality in Palghar district is still not solved. In the last six years, 3003 child deaths have been reported in the district. This is about 40 per month and 500 per year. The highest child mortality is in Jawahar and Dahanu talukas.
The issue of child mortality has come to the fore in Palghar district. There were 140 child deaths between April and August 2020. The figure was 131 during the same period last year. The number of child deaths has increased by nine this year. After the division of Thane district, Palghar district came into existence in 2014-15. There were 626 child deaths in the district that year. In view of these large figures, as per the directions of the government, efforts are being made in Palghar district to eradicate malnutrition and reduce maternal and child mortality in coordination with various agencies. However, it does not appear to have declined much. The highest child mortality in the district is in rural areas. Babies up to six years of age have died due to various reasons such as malnutrition, low birth weight baby, other diseases, accidents, shortness of breath. Most of these child deaths have occurred in Jawahar and Dahanu talukas. In the last six years, 825 child deaths have occurred in Jawahar taluka and 680 in Dahanu taluka. The rate is higher during June to September.
Palghar is a tribal area. It is not easy for the government to reach these remote areas during the monsoons. Therefore, the infant mortality rate increases from June to September. The issue of employment is serious here and the parents cannot give enough time to the child. Health facilities have limitations in reaching the last element. Therefore, the citizens have to take the support of the nearby state of Gujarat. There is a lack of proper implementation of the schemes implemented by the Department of Women and Child Welfare. There is also a lack of public awareness to prevent child mortality. That is why parents do not immediately understand the symptoms if the baby is sick. Illness increases the risk of infant mortality.
Due to Corona, schools are closed, kindergartens, and slowed down children’s programs. The health check is to be started. There is a need to reduce the number of premature births and low birth weight babies. Efforts should be made to check pregnant mothers and take care of their blood pressure. It is important to get a proper diet as well as encourage pregnant women to get tested. A healthy mother gives birth to a healthy baby. There was migration for employment. Children and mothers need to be examined. It is important to take care that both of them do not get sick later. Asha Sevika, Anganwadi worker helper, ANM should all be coordinated, as well as the District Collector, Chief Executive Officer of Zilla Parishad, Civil Surgeon, District Health Officer, CHO need to work together on this issue. With that in view, such a meeting was held four days ago. Efforts will be made to prevent child mortality, said District Surgeon Dr. Anil Thorat. He added that he has just taken office and will try to solve these problems in the district.
Total child mortality in six years
(August 2014-2020)
Mokhada 274
Jawahar 825
Vikramgad 285
Wada 301
Palghar 343
Talasari 192
Dahanu 680
Vasai 103
Total 3003