Congress seeks MP health minister's resignation over tribal children's deaths in Balaghat

The Congress on Wednesday demanded the resignation of Madhya Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Health Minister Rajendra Shukla over the deaths of tribal children in Balaghat district, alleging that malnutrition, inadequate healthcare and poor vaccination coverage contributed to the situation.

Vikrant Bhuria, head of the Congress' tribal wing, alleged that pressure was being exerted on people raising their voices over the deaths of more than 35 tribal children and that attempts were being made to "silence" them.

Addressing a press conference here along with party leader Sadhna Bharti, Bhuria said the Madhya Pradesh government had told the state Assembly that only Rs 12 per day was being spent to tackle severe acute malnutrition among children.

"Malnutrition is a major issue in Madhya Pradesh, and it is the reason behind the children's deaths in Balaghat. People in the area have not received rations for six months," he alleged.

Bhuria also claimed vaccination coverage in areas such as Balaghat was below 70 per cent, contributing to an outbreak of measles.

He alleged that the government had failed to take adequate measures to prevent diseases such as malaria and questioned whether malnutrition could be eradicated with an expenditure of only Rs 12.

Bhuria also referred to other incidents concerning the healthcare system in Madhya Pradesh and alleged that an "entire system of corruption" had taken root in the state.

Bharti demanded Shukla's resignation and sought compensation of Rs 1 crore for each affected family, besides a government job for one member of every family.

She also demanded a detailed inquiry into the Balaghat incident and adequate relief and healthcare facilities for the affected families.

The Congress' demands come amid judicial scrutiny of the deaths.

Last week, the Madhya Pradesh High Court sought a response from the state government over the deaths. A division bench of Acting Chief Justice Vivek Rusia and Justice Pradeep Mittal issued notices to the Health Department, Women and Child Development Department, Balaghat collector and others while hearing a PIL.

The petition alleged inadequate treatment and claimed that around 400 children were being treated at a hospital with a capacity of 50 beds.

It also alleged that yellow-coloured water was coming from handpumps in the affected areas and that children and women had not received nutritious food on time for several months.