Question : NUTRITIONAL REHABILITATION CENTRES

(a) the total number of Nutritional Rehabilitation Centres (NRCs) established and operational at present along with the total number of children enrolled at these NRCs in the country, State/UT-wise including Jharkhand;

(b) the mechanism put in place by NRCs to identify and improve the condition of children with severe and acute malnutrition;

(c) the total number of cases where the children enrolled at NRCs have been able to successfully recover from the above mentioned condition;

(d) whether the Government has reviewed the functioning and performance of these NRCs and if so, the details and the outcome thereof; and

(e) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of these NRCs?

THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (DR. HARSH VARDHAN)

(a)At present 872 Nutrition Rehabilitation Centres (NRCs) are operational in the country. The total number of children enrolled at these NRCs in the country during April to November 2013, State/UT- wise including Jharkhand has been annexed.

(b). The sick children with Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) are identified from the community and health facilities and referred to the NRC where they are admitted for medical management as well as nutritional rehabilitation.

(c). 55451 Children out of 105618 enrolled in the NRCs during April to November 2013 have been successfully recovered.

(d) & (e). The Government periodically reviews the functioning of NRCs through desk review of Quarterly and Annual reports sent by the States as well as conducts field visits to monitor and provide supportive supervision to these NRCs. The salient findings of these reviews are:

# Admission and discharge criteria require stricter enforcement

# Treatment and nutrition protocols need to be adhered to the standard treatment guidelines, as per the Government of India Guidelines recommendations.

# Quality of care needs to be emphasised, that would require training of Medical Officers and Staff Nurses in SAM management and appropriate deployment of nutritionists.

# Need for better linkages between the NRCs and community and the health facilities for improving the referral and follow up of discharged children and linkages with the Anganwadi Centres (AWCs).