In a significant push to tackle child malnutrition, Andhra Pradesh is preparing to establish Nutrition Rehabilitation Centres (NRCs) in 15 major government hospitals across the state. Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav said on Saturday that the centers are designed to serve children under the age of five, one of the most vulnerable groups in public health, by offering both medical treatment and structured nutritional support.

The announcement comes at a time when pediatric malnutrition remains a persistent challenge, particularly in tribal and remote regions. The Minister said that in addition to the new centers, 11 more NRCs will be set up exclusively in tribal belts, adding 115 beds dedicated to child nutrition care. These facilities, he said, will work as specialised support systems where medical care and nutrition therapy go hand-in-hand.

Under the NRC framework, a child is first identified by frontline health workers, ASHA and ANM staff, based on growth-related alerts. After primary screening at the local Primary Health Centre, children who appear underweight for their height or in need of close monitoring are referred to the nearest NRC. Once admitted, children undergo a two-week intensive rehabilitation program, which includes continuous medical observation, nutritional counseling for parents, and high-protein feeding regimens. 

Nutrition counselors stationed at each center guide caregivers on diet patterns and recommend feeding plans, helping families adopt long-term healthy food habits even after discharge. The state currently operates 21 NRCs with around 340 beds. The new expansion strengthens the safety net for malnourished children, especially in agency areas such as Alluri Sitarama Raju district, where malnutrition indicators are often higher due to geographical and economic disadvantages. The initiative will be implemented under the National Health Mission, which has been supporting several child health interventions across India.