Another tribal infant dies in Attappady

Palakkad: Amidst concerns about the ill-health and malnutrition among tribal children, a three-day-old boy died at a hospital in Attappady here.

It is the eighth newborn death reported in Attappady, one of the largest tribal settlements in the state, since January.

The infant, son of one Rangamma and Ponnuchamy, died at a tribal superspecialty hospital here on Sunday night due to breathing problem, hospital sources said.

The child, who weighed around three kg, had been placed on ventilator soon after the birth due to poor health conditions, they said.

A total of 73 children including newborn babies died in Attappady during 2012-13 period due to malnutrition and other reasons.

Last year, the then Union Minister Jairam Ramesh visited various settlements in Attappady in the wake of series of child deaths.

Though Central and state governments had announced many relief packages for the well-being of tribal inhabitants here, child deaths are still a major cause of worry in the region.