In a significant move to combat child malnutrition, the Bihar government has expanded the eligibility criteria for admission to its specialised Nutrition Rehabilitation Centres (NRCs). State Health Minister Mangal Pandey announced on Monday that children suffering from Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM) accompanied by medical complications will now be admitted to these facilities for treatment and nutritional support.
Policy Shift to Tackle Malnutrition Early
This decision marks a crucial shift in the state's public health strategy. Previously, only children diagnosed with Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) who also had medical complications were admitted to the NRCs. The new policy recognises that moderately malnourished children are at a high risk of deteriorating into the severe category if their underlying health issues are not addressed promptly.
Minister Pandey explained that children with MAM often suffer from co-existing conditions such as rickets, anaemia, and various vitamin deficiencies. By providing them with timely medical intervention and supervised nutritional care, the state aims to curb the progression of malnutrition and improve overall health outcomes for its youngest citizens.
Implementation and Screening Process
The health department has initiated a comprehensive plan to identify and refer eligible children. Health institutions at all levels, including community-based workers, will now screen for MAM children showing medical complications. Those identified will be referred to the nearest NRC for admission.
Pandey stated that based on guidelines from the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, detailed instructions have been dispatched to all medical colleges and district health societies across Bihar. The directive mandates that monthly progress reports for these children be submitted to the health department, ensuring close monitoring of their recovery.
Focus on Holistic Recovery and Statewide Reach
The treatment protocol at the NRCs will focus on a multi-pronged approach. The centres will implement necessary steps to strengthen improvements in the children's nutritional status, ensure they receive an essential diet, promote weight gain, and work on reducing the rate of infections.
Minister Pandey emphasised that this proactive measure is expected to contribute significantly to reducing deaths and diseases caused by malnutrition in children below five years of age. The state currently has 41 operational Nutrition Rehabilitation Centres to facilitate this expanded care model.
This policy expansion represents a more inclusive and preventive approach to Bihar's fight against malnutrition, aiming to intercept health issues before they become life-threatening.
