Ministers to visit Attappady on Saturday

V.K. Sreekandan, MP, has attributed the increasing health problems in Attappady to conditions such as sickle cell disease and anaemia, gaps in nutrition programmes and shortcomings in emergency medical services. Health Minister K. Muraleedharan and the Minister for Welfare of SC/ST and Backward Classes K.A. Thulasi will visit Attappady on October 31 to discuss measures to address the issues, he said.

Community kitchens that provided nutritious food in 200 tribal settlements have been reduced to 35, Mr. Sreekandan said. Although anganwadis distribute nutrition supplements, there are gaps in the system. Reluctance among some tribal families to consume nutritious food also contributes to health problems, he said. Pregnant women receive nutritional supplements and guidance through home visits.