KSCPCR irked over lack of Nutritional Rehabilitation Centre in Udupi Hospital

Udupi: Chairman of the Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights Shashidhar Kosambe has directed officials to immediately set up a Nutritional Rehabilitation Centre (NRC) at the Government Mother and Child Hospital in Udupi.

During a surprise inspection at the District Mother and Child Hospital on Friday, Kosambe spoke to the State Deputy Manager of the NRC programme over the phone and instructed that the centre be established without delay.

He also suggested that the NRC unit currently functioning in Kundapura be temporarily shifted to Udupi by evening. Since new NRC units have already been sanctioned for the taluk headquarters, one of those units could later be allotted to Kundapura, he said.

Speaking to reporters after the inspection, Kosambe expressed disappointment over the absence of a Nutritional Rehabilitation Centre in the district headquarters hospital, even though it plays a crucial role in treating children suffering from malnutrition. The NRC provides specialised nutrition, medical treatment and monitoring to restore the health of severely undernourished children.

He pointed out that such centres are generally available in the community health centres, taluk hospitals and district hospitals across the state. However, despite Mother and Child Hospital in Udupi coming under government administration four years ago, the facility has not yet been established. He said the issue would be taken up with the district administration to understand why officials had failed to initiate the process.

Kosambe also expressed serious concern over the poor maintenance of medical records at the hospital. He noted that case sheets examined during the inspection did not contain basic details such as the names of children, their parents’ names or addresses.

“In any hospital, it is essential to properly record the identity and details of the patient before treatment is given. However, the case sheets here contain only brief notes about the background and lack essential information. Such lapses can lead to incorrect treatment and may put the health of children at risk,” he said, urging doctors to be more careful in maintaining accurate records. He further pointed out that some cases where children had already been discharged had not been documented properly, indicating serious lapses in record management.

Kosambe also expressed concern over the apparent lack of awareness among hospital officials about the Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) ward. These centres are meant to guide mothers, particularly in rural and backward areas, on proper breastfeeding techniques and newborn care practices.

“It is worrying that the authorities themselves are unaware of such facilities. Despite the government introducing several schemes for maternal and child welfare, they often fail to reach beneficiaries due to lack of awareness and implementation gaps,” he said.

The Commission will hold discussions with the district administration and recommend action against those responsible for the lapses, he added.