It seems there is no letup in the branding of infants with hot iron in Nabarangpur district. At a time when the administration is trying to create awareness among tribals about medical facilities available for the newborns, another infant has fallen victim to traditional healing practices in the district.
A 27-day-old son of Sontoshini and Arun Bagh of Kangra village under Tentulikhunti block was recently branded at 24 places of his body. The baby was suffering from some stomach ailment. The family members consulted a quack who branded the baby with an iron rod leaving him critically injured. The baby was then admitted at the special newborn care unit (SNCU) of the District Headquarters Hospital here on Sunday.
The baby is suffering from septicaemia due to branding, and he has been put on oxygen, said hospital paediatrician Balakrushna Rath.
locals alleged that even as lots of money is pumped into the campaign Jyoti to fight superstition, it has failed to fulfil its objective. People continue to rely on superstitions and quacks to get their children cured. Child Development Project officers at the block level are yet to submit funds utilisation certificates. locals demand a probe into the execution of Jyoti campaign.