91 malnourished children identified; Commission orders immediate treatment

Mr. Shashidhar Koosumbe, Chairperson, State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, on Thursday expressed concern that not a single child has been admitted to the special nutrition care wards at Cheluvamba Hospital in Mysuru, despite 91 malnourished children having been identified in the district.

“This clearly shows that government benefits are not reaching the children who need them. Within the next three days, officials must convene a meeting, identify these 91 children, provide treatment in a phased manner, and submit a report to the Commission. Otherwise, action will be taken against the officials concerned,” he warned.

Speaking after inspecting Cheluvamba Hospital, Mr. Koosumbe stressed that the number of malnourished children in the district must be reduced and that those identified should receive timely and proper care until they fully recover. He directed officials to ensure that all government schemes and support meant for malnourished children reach eligible beneficiaries without delay.

He also instructed hospital authorities to replace the existing signboard reading ‘Children’s Malnutrition Rehabilitation Centre’ with a new one that reads ‘Children’s Malnutrition Recovery Unit’.

State Child Rights Commission Member Dr. Tippeswamy and other officials were present.