Jajpur: A five-year-old girl has died and four other children from the same tribal family have been hospitalised in critical condition in Jajpur district, triggering renewed concerns about malnutrition and healthcare access in remote hamlets.
The incident occurred in Tikarpada Juang Sahi village under Sukinda block, where all six children of Surjya Juang were reported to be suffering from severe health complications linked to malnutrition and an unknown illness.
Sources said Rita Juang, 5, died Thursday morning. Four of the surviving children were later admitted to Sukinda Community Health Centre af ter their condition deteriorated. A fifth child is also reported to be affected and remains under medical observation.
After media reports highlighted the situation, a district-level medical team led by Chief District Medical Officer Bi Jay Kumar Mishra visited the village. Health officials examined members of the family and said the children were suffering from skin-related ailments. Medicines and nutritional support were provided during the visit.
Officials said teams under the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram and local health authorities had previously conducted medical examinations and treatment camps in the area. Health department records indicate that dozens of children in the village had recently undergone screening and received medication.
The child’s death has nevertheless raised questions about the effectiveness of early detection and follow-up care in vulnerable tribal settlements. Residents and observers have asked whether timely intervention could have prevented the fatality.
The case has revived memories of the Nagada child mortality crisis that drew national attention to malnutrition in Sukinda nearly a decade ago.
