Mazhgawan turns malnutrition hotspot in state:ASHA workers’ post-delivery neglect under scanner; probe finds 10 new malnourished children in Satna

Malnutrition has emerged as a serious concern in Majhgawan block of Satna district in the state. Following the death of a four-month-old infant, Supranshi, on April 22, an investigation uncovered 10 more malnourished children, all of whom have been admitted to Nutrition Rehabilitation Centres (NRCs). Authorities have identified 60 villages in the region as high-risk and are preparing a master plan to address the crisis. Administrative lapses and lack of awareness An investigation found that administrative negligence and lack of awareness are major contributors to the situation. Field-level follow-up, especially after childbirth, has been inadequate. Infant dies before reaching hospital Supranshi, one of the twin children of Natthu Prajapati from Pathra Surangi village, fell ill on April 21 along with her sibling, Naitik. The infants were referred from Majhgawan Community Health Centre to the district hospital and later to Rewa. Supranshi died on the way on April 22, while Naitik remains in critical condition at Sanjay Gandhi Hospital in Rewa. Probe reveals more malnutrition cases The incident triggered immediate action, and notices were issued to seven officials. A team led by Block Medical Officer Dr. Rupesh Soni conducted a village-level inspection on April 24 and identified additional malnourished children. A five-month-old girl, Mohini from Nayagaon, was found in critical condition and referred to Rewa Medical College. Family alleges negligence by field workers Supranshi’s grandmother, Suratiya, alleged that frontline workers failed to fulfill their responsibilities. She claimed villagers hesitate to speak openly due to pressure from anganwadi workers and that government schemes are poorly implemented. Out of 96 households in the village, only four have benefited from the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY). Residents say lack of land ownership has prevented them from accessing housing benefits. Severe anemia in mother highlighted An inquiry by Dr. Suchitra Agrawal revealed that the infant’s mother, Vimla Prajapati, suffered from severe anemia during pregnancy, with hemoglobin levels at 6.3 g/dL. She received only one unit of blood and irregular iron supplementation. Doctors believe timely and adequate treatment could have prevented the child’s death. Poverty and awareness gaps add to crisis Apart from systemic failures, poverty and lack of awareness remain major barriers. A resident, Nijma, refused to take her one-year-old son to an NRC, citing financial constraints. “If I take one child, what will the others eat? I will also lose my daily wages,” she said. She also reported irregular supply of nutritional supplements. Questions over Anganwadi worker’s role The role of anganwadi worker Pooja Pandey has come under scrutiny. She was reportedly dismissed in 2022 after a child died due to malnutrition but was later reinstated under unclear circumstances. Pandey has blamed the family, while officials have acknowledged lapses in field-level monitoring. Scale of the problem Officials say the condition often worsens after discharge due to lack of follow-up. Healthcare infrastructure gaps Majhgawan Community Health Centre lacks both a pediatrician and a gynecologist, and the facility is dependent on a single medical officer. Administrative inefficiencies are also evident, with supervisory staff reportedly stationed elsewhere, affecting field operations. Administration steps in Following the incident, District Collector Dr. Satish Kumar S has initiated monitoring. Teams led by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO), and BMO are working on a new action plan. A fresh survey has been initiated, and 60 villages have already been identified as high-risk.