(a) whether the Government is aware of the incidents of death occurred due to malnutrition in the country especially in different parts of Maharashtra during the last six months;
(b) if so, the details thereof, State-wise ;
(c) whether a Central Team has visited the places where incidents have occurred ;
(d) if so, the findings thereof; and
(e) the steps taken by the Government to check the recurrence of such incidence?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE ( SMT. PANABAKA LAKSHMI)
(a) to (d): The details of number of deaths due to malnutrition is not being centrally maintained. However, malnutrition is a multifaceted problem and is not a direct cause of death. But it can increase morbidity and mortality by reducing the resistance to infections.
(e): The Government has initiated several measures to improve the nutritional status of vulnerable population, including children, in the country including the State of Maharashtra to overcome the problem of malnutrition, as under:-
- Increased Agricultural Production. - Improving the purchasing power of the people through income generating schemes. - Availability of essential food items at subsidized cost through Public Distribution System. - Nutrition education to increase the awareness and bringing about the desired changes in the feeding practices including promotion of breast feeding. - Supplementary feeding programmes such as:
(i) Integrated Child Development Services Scheme (ICDS).
(ii) Special Nutrition Programme (SNP).
(iii) Balwadi Nutrition Programme (BNP)
(iv) Wheat Based Supplementary Nutrition Programme.
(v) Pradhan Mantri Grameen Yojna (PMGY).
(vi) Mid-day Meal Programme.
- Programme for Prevention of Specific Nutrient Deficiency Disorders such as: - National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Programme. - Programme to prevent Blindness due to Vitamin `A` deficiency and Nutritional Anaemia due to Iron deficiency as a part of Reproductive and Child Health Programme. - Pilot Project for control of Micronutrient Malnutrition.