Melghat, a remote tribal area in Maharashtra’s Amravati district, is battling a harsh malnutrition crisis that claimed 97 children under six from April to October 2025. Among these deaths were 30 stillbirths and 27 caused by low birth weight, with malnourished mothers and poor health services at the core of the tragedy. Local healthcare centers, including the Hataru primary health centre, suffer from erratic power, bad roads, and few medical staff, forcing many villagers to travel far for treatment. Budhiya Bhusum, a Korku tribal woman, lost her newborn son born prematurely with just 1.7 kg weight. She says, "Bachu ab khane lagta, mai bolta" reflecting what could have been. Over 30 percent of women in Melghat are malnourished, leading to high risks during pregnancy and infant deaths. Official data shows 4,170 out of 4,437 pregnant women diagnosed as anaemic recently. Other issues include child marriages, early school dropouts, and reliance on traditional healers called bhumkas, which delay medical care. The maternal mortality rate rose to 83.17 by 2025 in Melghat. Officials and doctors call for better infrastructure, including paediatricians and gynaecologists at primary centers, and strong community awareness. Maharashtra’s government is studying ways to improve healthcare and education. The Bombay High Court recently criticized the state for negligence over infant deaths. Villagers’ reliance on the long referral system and cultural beliefs add to the challenge. Efforts like the Amrut Aahar Yojana aim to improve nutrition, but experts say meals alone won’t fix systemic issues. Melghat’s 3.24 lakh population depends on 11 primary health centers, two rural hospitals, and one subdistrict hospital, often overcrowded and understaffed. As Budhiya whispers her lost hopes and others like Raksha face repeated heartache, the urgent call for improved healthcare and nutrition grows louder in this tribal heartland.