India to lose competitive edge if children are unhealthy: LS

Hyderabad, Nov 28 (UNI) Commenting on a UNESCO report that 75 per cent of children in India suffered from health problems and malnutrition, the Lok Satta party today said the country might lose its competitive edge if Indians of the coming generations were to be weaklings.

In a statement here, party working committee member Bodepudi Satyanarayana and Mahila Satta Secretary D Saroja said India lagged behind even tiny countries like Bangladesh and Nepal in taking care of children.

Quoting National Health Survey findings, they said infant mortality in the State was four times more than in Kerala. ''Instead of improving maternity services, preventing childhood diseases and improving the nutritional status of children, the State government reveals in advertising that it will take care of them under Arogyasri, if they faced a serious ailment,'' they added.

The government should focus on primary healthcare rather than tertiary care, the statement added.

UNI VA LPB NS1835