Expressing grave concern over the recent deaths of four infants and two lactating mothers in Maharashtra's Melghat region, the Bombay High Court has issued a stern directive to the state government. The court has ordered the priority appointment of specialist doctors, including gynaecologists and paediatricians, within one week to address the ongoing healthcare crisis in the tribal area.
A Judicial Response to Recurring Tragedy
The directive came from a Division Bench comprising Justices Revati Mohite-Dere and Sandesh D Patil during a hearing on Thursday. The bench was addressing a cluster of Public Interest Litigations (PILs) concerning malnutrition among children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers in Melghat, located in the Amravati district. These petitions include those filed by Dr. Rajendra Burma and activist Bandu Sampatrao Sane.
Senior advocate Jugal Kishore Gilda, representing the petitioners, informed the court that the four infant and two maternal deaths occurred within a month of the previous hearing on November 12. He argued that despite numerous court orders over the years, the situation on the ground has shown no improvement. Gilda highlighted a critical issue: the unwillingness of post-graduate doctors to work in the tribal region and the alleged lack of hospital infrastructure despite significant expenditure over decades.
Systemic Failures and a Call for Accountability
The judges noted the alarming pattern with deep concern. "It is pointed out that four children and two women died since the last court hearing. One has to go all the way to Amravati for treatment. Something is not correct," the bench remarked orally. Justice Mohite-Dere emphasized the urgent need for experienced specialists, stating, "Someone has to be there. Every time we take up these matters, we are told about deaths... due to non-availability of a gynaecologist."
The court suggested practical solutions, including appointing doctors on a contract or deputation basis and providing additional incentives for those willing to serve in remote areas. The bench underscored that this is a priority issue for both the state and central governments, warning against a "callous approach." To ensure accountability, the High Court has summoned the Principal Secretary or Joint Secretary of the Women and Child Welfare department to be present at the next hearing scheduled for January 16.
Government's Stance and Underlying Challenges
Dr. Nipun Vinayak, Secretary of the Public Health Department for Melghat, acknowledged the challenges during the hearing. While stating there have been improvements, he pointed out the core problem: specialist doctors are not willing to work in the tribal region. He advocated for relaxing norms and deliberating on increasing salaries to attract medical professionals.
Dr. Vinayak also brought attention to deeper socio-cultural issues contributing to the crisis, noting that teenage pregnancies are "common" in the region, with some mothers as young as 15. "Lack of health facilities is not the only reason," he stated, indicating a need for broader intervention beyond just medical appointments.
This latest order adds to a series of judicial interventions on the issue. In the November hearing, the court had described infant malnutrition deaths as "horrific" and cautioned the state government against a "casual approach." The High Court has consistently observed that the lack of specialist doctors and supporting medical staff is a major cause of suffering for tribal women and children, compounded by inadequate facilities.
