PALAKKAD: Another infant death was reported in Attappadi. Two-month-old baby boy of Cheeri-Rangan couple in Thazhe Abbanur has died. The baby was taken to a private hospital in Kookanpalayam, but his life could not be saved.

Health Minister Veena George has called for an inquiry into the deaths of four children within four days in Attappadi in November last year. The Minister has given directions to the Director, Department of Health in this regard. Remya and Ayyappan's ten-month-old baby girl from Kathirampathi village in Agali panchayath was the last child death to be reported here. It is estimated that 11 children have died so far this year.

Ten-month-old girl was being treated for Down Syndrome. When she returned home seeking treatment at a private hospital for fever, the child was unresponsive and was rushed to Kottathara Tribal Specialty Hospital. But the baby died.

The ITDP and the Health department have been blaming each other for the recurrence of infant mortality. It was alleged that this was due to the lack of medical facilities in Attappadi.