Congress Questions Child Deaths, Health Spending in MP Ahead of Rahul Gandhi’s Balaghat Visit

Addressing a press conference in Balaghat, Patwari alleged that despite substantial funds being allocated for healthcare in tribal areas, the government had not made public detailed reports on the deaths, vaccination coverage or health surveys conducted in the affected villages.

“The government allocated crores of rupees and made all the arrangements. The truth is, did children die or not? Whether there were multiple factors, what does it matter? Have you made the report public till today? Has the government made public the reasons why the children died? Did you conduct a survey? Did you carry out vaccination? Did you make the vaccination report public?” he said.

Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to visit Balaghat and meet families of children who died in tribal-dominated areas. More than 30 child deaths have been reported from parts of the district in recent months, while official and other assessments have pointed to multiple health factors rather than a single cause.

Patwari also questioned the utilisation of funds earmarked for healthcare in tribal regions, citing Rs 4,630 crore that he claimed was intended for the Health Mission.

“Where did that money go? I just told you that Rs 4,630 crore was supposed to be spent on the Health Mission in tribal areas. Where did that money go?” he asked.

The Congress leader called for a comprehensive assessment of Madhya Pradesh's health, education and economic sectors and demanded a White Paper on the state's overall condition.

“Now, review the entire state from A to Z. Discuss different sectors and make fresh preparations with a long-term vision to try to resolve these problems. Bring out a White Paper. Why is there poverty? Why is Madhya Pradesh weak in healthcare? Why is the condition of education in Madhya Pradesh so poor? How has the economy been damaged? How can we save the state from corruption?” Patwari said.

He also questioned the state government's claims regarding the elimination of Naxalism, asking whether adequate public services had reached remote areas that were previously affected by Left-Wing Extremism.

“Advertisements were put up across the country, summits were held, and praise was garnered that Naxalism has been eradicated. In those Naxal-affected areas where you talk about liberation, why haven't you arranged for doctors, hospitals, schools? Why haven't you provided employment resources?” he said.

The state government has separately announced measures to strengthen healthcare services in Balaghat. Deputy Chief Minister and Health Minister Rajendra Shukla had said that 67 new medical officers were posted in the district, while additional health facilities and mobile medical units were also being planned.

The controversy over the child deaths has also drawn judicial and administrative scrutiny. The Madhya Pradesh High Court has sought the state government's response in a petition concerning deaths among children from tribal communities in the affected areas.