Madhya Pradesh: NHM, WCD At Odds Over Anganwadi Food Quality

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): A war of words has erupted between the National Health Mission (NHM) and the Women and Child Development (WCD) department over the quality of food provided to pregnant women and children at anganwadi centres in state.

NHM officials have expressed serious concern about the food supplied at these centres, claiming it is mostly made up of carbohydrates with little or no protein.

They said that this imbalance is a key factor behind the rising cases of anaemia and malnutrition among pregnant women and children in the state.

According to NHM, absence of pulses in food supply is particularly troubling, leaving health workers to advise women to consume protein-rich foods such as black gram, dates and green vegetables to boost their haemoglobin levels.

Officials from NHM have said that lack of a balanced diet at anganwadi centres places undue pressure on doctors and paramedical staff to raise awareness about nutrition and ensure women follow additional dietary recommendations to stay healthy during pregnancy.

In response, WCD has defended the food programme, clarifying that the items provided at anganwadi centres are supplements and not intended to replace a full diet.

Dr. Vishal Nadkarni, Joint Director of WCD, said, “The food provided in anganwadis is a supplement to the home diet, not a complete meal. If someone requires 1600 calories, we assume they’re getting 1200 calories from home, and we fulfil the remaining 400 calories. If someone is relying solely on the anganwadi supply, it could lead to deficiencies like anaemia.”

WCD runs various schemes like Integrated Child Development Services(ICDS) scheme, which is a community-based programme that aims to improve health, nutrition and education of children, pregnant and lactatingmothers and women aged 16–44.Similarly, “Poshan Abhiyan” is also run by WCD. It is ascheme that aims to create sustainablemodels for food fortification and supplementary nutrition.