HC asks if any scientific studies done for tribals

Mumbai: The Bombay high court has directed the principal secretary of the public health department to remain present in court to make a statement on whether the state has carried out a scientific study of tribal areas so that doctors and infrastructure can be provided there.

A division bench of Justice Abhay Oka and Justice M.S. Sonak was hearing a bunch of public interest litigations (PILs) highlighting the rise in malnutrition deaths and illnesses among those living in the state’s tribal belt, especially Melgha, which is a predominantly tribal region in Amravati district.

While several orders have been passed on the matter in the last two years, now directing the state government to ensure that those living in tribal areas get adequate nutrition, healthcare, sanitation and education facilities, the court sought to know whether any scientific study had been carried out for the same.

“Has any scientific study been carried out to ascertain the requirements in these areas? What kind of medical specialists are required? What infrastructure is needed?” Justice Oka asked.

Justice Oka asked the government about the infrastructure put in place to address the problem of malnutrition existing in the region for the past two decades. The bench also wanted to know from the state how many paediatricians and gynaecologists had been appointed in tribal regions of the state.