The health branch of Tanjakot Rural Municipality has referred 10 severely malnourished children outside the district for further treatment.
Due to the lack of nutritional services in the district and the difficulty of treating malnourished children at home, the branch has referred 10 severely malnourished children to the Nutrition Rehabilitation Centers at Karnali Academy of Health Sciences, Jumla, and the Provincial Hospital, Surkhet, for treatment, said the in-charge of Maila Health Post of Tanjakot Rural Municipality–2, Dhanraj Dhakal.
A nutrition assessment of children across the rural municipality was conducted, and female community health volunteers identified severe malnutrition (red card). When re-examined at Maila Health Post, the same condition was observed, after which they were recommended for treatment at hospitals outside the district, informed the in-charge, Dhakal.
Since even the district hospital does not have this facility, and treating these children at home was found to be risky, they were advised to be sent to hospitals outside the district for treatment.
The Tanjakot Rural Municipality will arrange transportation for these children to the hospitals outside the district, and thereafter, their treatment and care will be managed by the Nutrition Rehabilitation Centers operated at those hospitals.
Health Service Office Humla Chief Dr. Umakant Tiwari said that child marriage in rural areas, inadequate nutrition after childbirth, and the early introduction of junk food after six months of age are contributing to rising malnutrition.
He also stated that if such cases of malnutrition are identified, there is currently no adequate environment to provide treatment even at the district hospital.