Five kids expire in Thar due to malnutrition, viral diseases

THARPARKAR: At least five children have died in Tharparkar because of malnutrition and epidemic diseases, ARY News reported.

The deaths took place at Civil Hospital Mithi in last 24 hours. Doctors said starving pregnant mothers arrive at the hospital and give birth to dead children.

Health and medical facilities in Thar district are far from existence. Several health centers have not been inaugurated so far.

Contrary to the ground realities, Sindh Health Minister Azra Fazal Pechuho, during her visit to Tharparkar, said the deaths were not occurring because of malnutrition. She also said the district had adequate medical facilities.

“Media is blowing the issues of Thar out of proportion. Children pass away here not because of starving but due to awry upbringing,” she said.

Read More: Sindh Govt declares Thar as drought-hit area

She said underage mothers give birth to weak kids who die on their way to hospital.

The health minister pledged to provide more health facilities for Tharis. She also apprised that the Sindh government was formulating ‘Thar Drought Policy’ to counter drought situation.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah during his last tenure had vowed to make the district a “Green Thar”.