MP child deaths: Dy CM meets Baiga families, orders health measures

Business To Business, Balaghat, 22 August 2026:   Madhya Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Health Minister Rajendra Shukla on Saturday visited Machhurda village in Balaghat district and met families of Baiga tribal children suffering from illness, assuring them of all possible assistance from the state government.
 
Shukla visited the village in Birsa development block and interacted with affected families to understand their health condition and other difficulties. He said the government stood with the families and would provide every possible assistance. “The state government stands with the Baiga families affected by the illness and every possible assistance will be provided to them,” Shukla said.
 
He appealed to Baiga families to cooperate with the special vaccination drive being conducted in the affected villages, stressing that vaccination was essential to protect children from infectious diseases. He also urged parents to ensure their children attend school regularly, saying education would help them build a better future.
 
During his interaction, Shukla emphasised the importance of nutrition and hygiene. He advised families to keep their surroundings clean and ensure children receive nutritious food. He directed officials to arrange an Auxiliary Nurse Midwife at the Machhurda sub‑health centre so villagers could access basic healthcare services locally.
 
Shukla said the District Immunisation Officer of Balaghat had been transferred and the District Malaria Officer removed from the post. He added that the deaths of Baiga children would be investigated and action taken against officials if negligence was established. “A special campaign will be launched to create awareness among Baiga tribal families about health and other important issues,” he said.
 
He noted that anti‑malaria medicine was being sprayed in 38 villages of the Birsa region and door‑to‑door surveys were being conducted to identify sick people. Those found ill were being tested and treated, while a special vaccination campaign was also underway. Shukla said the Health Department would increase workforce in remote and inaccessible areas.
 
He added that he would discuss nutrition arrangements for Baiga children with officials from the Women and Child Development Department in Bhopal, and that steps would be taken to strengthen services at Anganwadi centres in the region.
 
The visit comes amid concerns over the deaths of children in Baiga tribal villages in Balaghat. However, neither the government nor Shukla mentioned any specific number of deaths. The Congress has recently claimed that 19 children died in the affected villages due to contaminated water and infection. The government said the deaths would be investigated and accountability fixed if negligence was established.