Patna,(BiharTimes): A study done in six blocks of Patna, Nalanda and Sitamarhi districts of Bihar said that less than half of needy Muslims go to government hospitals for treatment.

According to the study conducted by the Centre for Health and Resource Management (CHARM) only 42% Muslims go for treatment to any government hospital and only 47% pregnant Muslim women are getting take-home ration from Anganwadi centres.

The executive director of CHARM Dr Shakeel said the principal reason for exclusion is poverty of Muslims. More than two-thirds of Muslims in the state belong to the lowest strata of the society.

Though all pregnant women need to undergo at least three antenatal check-ups yet only 49% Muslim women respondents said ANMs or ASHA workers did not pay a visit to their households before delivery.