Kerala rights panel orders probe into Attapady tribal infant deaths

The State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has issued directives to the Directorate of Health Services (DHS) and Directorate of Medical Education (DME) to file comprehensive enquiry reports regarding infant deaths reported in the tribal colonies of Attapady. The commission initiated the suo motu case after receiving media reports detailing the fatalities in the region. The health and medical education departments have already been assigned to conduct investigations into the circumstances surrounding the deaths. Officials from both departments are expected to submit their findings to the commission as part of the formal inquiry process. The SHRC's intervention underscores growing concerns over healthcare conditions and child mortality rates in tribal settlements, where access to medical facilities and maternal-child health services often remain inadequate. The commission's directive aims to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation into the causes of infant deaths and to identify systemic gaps in healthcare delivery to vulnerable populations in the region.