District Collector exposes shocking gaps in maternal care and child vaccination drives

District Collector Neha Meena conducted an unannounced visit to Vadlipada and Kharakui Anganwadi centres during Village Health, Sanitation and Nutrition Day (VHSND) sessions. The inspection revealed serious gaps in vaccination coverage, maternal care, and infrastructure conditions. Meena took immediate action to address the shortcomings.

At Vadlipada, Meena reviewed ANC registrations, vaccination records, and the monitoring of high-risk pregnant women. She also checked the status of children enrolled under Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM), Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM), and Severe Undernutrition with Medical Complications (SUW) categories. Of the 24 children due for vaccination, only two had received their shots.

The Collector expressed frustration over the failure of ASHA workers to mobilise families on time. She ordered the Chief Medical and Health Officer to submit a detailed report on the lapses. Additionally, Meena examined online entries on the U-WIN portal and Nutrition Tracker, ensuring data accuracy.

During the visit, she tasted the meals served to children and instructed staff to maintain proper food quality and distribution. Among 146 identified pregnant women, 25 were classified as high-risk, while five out of 22 newly registered women had missed their antenatal checkups.

At Kharakui Anganwadi centre, Meena found the building in a dangerous, run-down state. She directed officials to relocate the facility to a safe, rented space without delay.

The inspection led to immediate orders for corrective measures, including improved vaccination drives, stricter ANC monitoring, and the relocation of the Kharakui centre. Officials must now submit compliance reports to the Collector's office within the given deadlines.