Bhopal. The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes has started investigation into the death of 24 children of the specially backward Baiga tribe due to measles, malaria and other diseases in Birsa area of Balaghat district of Madhya Pradesh.
On the instructions of Commission Chairman Antar Singh Arya, a three-member team visited the affected villages throughout the day on Wednesday and Thursday. The investigation team included legal advisor Prakash Kumar Uike, director Purnendukant and investigator Shivprakash.
The team reached Songudda, Bondari, Kundeksa, Korka, Garhita and Machhurda villages and took stock of the situation. The team inspected primary health centres, Anganwadi centers and tribal hostels.
The team members gathered information by discussing with the families of the deceased children regarding the disease, treatment, vaccination, nutrition and drinking water supply.
During the inspection, Lakhan Meravi, head of protection of tribal interests of Mahakaushal Vanvasi Vikas Parishad, was also present with the team. It was he who wrote a letter to the Commission and informed about the deaths of children in Baiga villages.
After two days of inspection, legal advisor Prakash Kumar Uike said that the commission is investigating every aspect of the untimely deaths of children. Records and documents have been sought from the concerned departments to ascertain the cause of the deaths.
He clarified that the role of Public Health Engineering, Health, Malaria and Women and Child Development Department will be investigated to find out at what level the lapse took place.
He also considered illiteracy and lack of awareness in the area as a major reason for the deaths. The coordination of the Tribal Department in the implementation of the schemes will also be examined.
Here, the health department is continuously conducting door-to-door health survey and treatment in the disease-affected villages of Kundeksa, Korka and Bondari of Birsa development block by the district administration. Under the campaign, 20 survey teams are reaching door-to-door and conducting health check-ups of the people.
Arrangements have been made for 4 PM Janman AMMUs, 10 medical officers for examination and treatment of sick persons and 4 ambulances to take patients to the hospital if necessary.
Health department teams are constantly monitoring the health, especially of children. House-to-house survey is being conducted by the department in Kundeksa, Bondari Korka, Ghummur, Adori, Machhurda, Garhita and Matla and other affected areas.