Government Nutritional Programme Treats 229 SAM Cases in Four Months

A government‑backed nutritional programme at Vidisha District Hospital has successfully managed 229 cases of severe acute malnutrition (SAM) between April and August. The integrated SAM management framework combines clinical treatment, specialized diets, rehabilitation, and systematic follow‑up.

Children are initially screened at the pediatric outpatient department. Those meeting SAM criteria—based on weight, length and mid‑upper arm circumference—are admitted to either the pediatric ward or the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) to address acute complications such as fever, diarrhoea, dehydration, respiratory distress and shock.

Dr. Brijendra Chhari, the hospital’s pediatric specialist, highlights that families are educated about the state‑run nutrition scheme and are offered a daily wage allowance of INR 120 while their child receives care at the Nutrition Rehabilitation Center (NRC).

The NRC provides a 14‑day intensive rehabilitation period with eight nutrient‑dense meals per day, medical management of co‑existing illnesses, and hygiene education for caregivers. The centre houses 20 beds, a well‑equipped kitchen and clean sanitation facilities.

After discharge, each child is called back for a follow‑up every fifteen days for two months. Health workers monitor growth, supply necessary medicines, provide therapeutic food packets and ensure that immunisation schedules are up to date.

Despite a shortage of nursing staff, the hospital has deployed two cooks, a caretaker and cleaning personnel to maintain service standards. Regular oversight from the district health administration and the collector’s office guarantees that the integrated approach remains effective, resulting in most children returning home healthy.