Although the southwest monsoon has spread all over Maharashtra, there has been no relief from the drought in the affected regions of Marathwada. June witnessed 92.3mm rainfall in Marathwada deficiency of 33% as against the average rainfall of 138mm in June, according to India Meteorological Department (IMD). Poor pregnant women have been suffering most even as premature deliveries at the government hospital have risen by 34% in the last one year. Her husband too is an agricultural labourer but because of no work on the farms is now working as a waiter. Wadgave, the District Health Officer (DHO) in the neighbouring Osmanabad district agreed that drought was taking a heavy toll of the health of pregnant women.

Source: Hindustan Times July 02, 2019 04:04 UTC