Making a mockery of the health-care packages announced in recent years for tribal people in Attappady by the Union and State governments, an official study in the region has found that 80 per cent of young tribal couples are underweight. Most couples weigh less than 40 kg, which leads to complications in women during pregnancy. As a result, the area is witnessing many miscarriages and infant deaths.
The study conducted by doctors at the Government Tribal Specialty Hospital at Kottathara, near Agali, has found that there are at least five miscarriages among 25 pregnancies.
Most such cases are reported among members of the Irula community.
