Stunting Among Children Rises in Bihar, But Weight Issues Decline

Patna: A new report on child health in Bihar has revealed that while stunting is increasing, cases of thinness and weight loss are showing improvement. Union Minister of State for Women and Child Development Savitri Thakur presented this information in the Rajya Sabha while responding to a question from Upendra Kushwaha of Rashtriya Lok Morcha. She stated that data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) and the Nutrition Tracker indicate progress in addressing malnutrition nationwide.

According to the NFHS-5 (2019-21) report, 42.9 percent of children under five in Bihar were stunted. Five years ago, 22.9 percent of children were reported as thin, and 41 percent were underweight. However, as per the latest Nutrition Tracker analysis from February this year, the percentage of thin children has reduced to 9.58 percent, and the percentage of underweight children has dropped to 24.9 percent. Despite these improvements, stunting has increased to 47.09 percent from the previous 42.9 percent. The central government is running multiple nutrition programs, and their impact is becoming visible.

Meanwhile, Arwal district is struggling with a severe shortage of pediatricians, leaving the health security of lakhs of children at risk. Despite a sanctioned strength of 15 pediatricians, the district has only four doctors specializing in child healthcare. The Sadar Hospital and other government hospitals across five blocks are facing an overwhelming number of child patients suffering from cold, diarrhea, hypothermia, viral fever, and other illnesses. Around 100 children visit hospitals daily, with 40 to 50 coming to Sadar Hospital alone. Due to the shortage of specialists, MBBS doctors are treating children without specialized expertise, increasing health risks.

From April last year to February this year, 686 newborns were admitted to the SNCU (Special Newborn Care Unit) of Sadar Hospital. Out of these, 588 recovered and were discharged, while 28 newborns lost their lives. Additionally, families of 32 newborns moved them to private hospitals without official referrals. The lack of adequate medical infrastructure and personnel continues to be a pressing issue in the district, putting the health of thousands of children in jeopardy.