Malkangiri: The health camps set up by the administration in Japanese Encephalitis (JE) affected villages in the district has proved to be of little use in containing the situation as the killer disease claimed three more lives in last 24 hours taking the toll to 30 in last 26 days.
2-year old Priya Madkami of Badali under Korakonda block died late last night while Dinesh Padiami (3) of Namkonda under Kalimela block succumbed to the vector-borne diseases in the wee hours of Tuesday. Similarly, another 2-year old girl of Uskapali in Korakanda died of the disease in Tuesday noon. All were undergoing treatment at district headquarters hospital for last one week. Similarly, the condition of four more kids is stated to be critical.
Health Minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak and Secretary Arti Ahuja, who visited Malkangiri on Monday to take stock of the situation, held discussions with the district officials. They also carried out a spot review of the situation in some affected areas. A seven-member team of doctors from Bhubaneswar also accompanied the minister to the district yesterday.
The minister said the team of specialists will stay in the district and take steps to contain the disease. Similarly, a team of experts from Animal Husbandry department will isolate the infected pigs which are principal carriers of the disease, Nayak added.
The health minister and secretary, who have spent night in the district, also held a review meeting with the local representatives and sarpanch of the affected panchayats.
"We are taking all measures to isolate the infected pigs from human habitation as they are the carrier of the disease. The secretary of Animal Husbandry have come with us to do the needful in this regard",Nayak said told mediapersons after the meeting today. One responsible official in each panchayat has been asked to coordinate with district officials in isolating the pigs and taking forward the cleanliness drive, he added.
Health Secretary Arti Ahuja said-“A medical team has come with us to provide additional clinical support. We have already sanctioned Rs 30 lakh for treatment and purchase of equipment. Local BDOs have also been asked to bear further expenditure if required and it will be reimbursed”.
Meanwhile, the National Health Mission on Monday sanctioned Rs 50 lakh assistance for purchase of medicines and necessary equipment for the area.