Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Literacy and health

Sir, — This is with reference to the article `Why should children die?' by Kalpana Sharma (Sept. 12). The prevalence of infection and the mortality rate of children in India has a direct correlation to nutritional status. But whether the children are receiving proper nutrition or not depends on the literacy status of the population, especially the mothers. There is a growing contention that doctors are either not available or inaccessible. The reason for this may be that the doctors feel handicapped working in peripheral health centres with no infrastructure.

It is unfair to expect them to act God under such circumstances. What is needed is an honest attempt by the Government and every individual to improve the literacy rate.

Insara J. Jaffer

Bangalore

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