SC asks Centre and the Bihar govt for response on encephalitis deaths
The Supreme Court on Monday sought a response from the Centre and the Bihar government within seven days on the issue of the deaths of more than 100 children in Muzaffarpur due to the outbreak of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome.
The apex court directed the Bihar government to file an affidavit on the adequacy of medical facilities, nutrition and sanitation, and the hygiene conditions in the state.The matter has been posted for hearing after 10 days.
Both the Centre and the Bihar government are taking all necessary steps for the treatment of children affected by the suspected Acute Encephalitis Syndrome in Bihar. After the arrival of Monsoon in Bihar, there has been noticeable decrease in cases of AES in Muzaffarpur district and adjoining areas. No death was reported due to AES on Monday.
Meanwhile, Supreme Court on Monday issued notice to Centre, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh governments on the outbreak of suspected Acute Encephalitis Syndrome in Muzaffarpur in Bihar.
Apex Court asked them to file affidavits within seven days giving details of facilities dealing with public health, nutrition and sanitation, for treatment of children suffering from Encephalitis.
The court was hearing a petition over the issue. The petition had sought a direction to the Centre for providing all necessary medical equipment and other supports for effective treatment of AES affected children.
The official figure of deaths due to AES in Muzaffarpur has reached 130 and a large number of children affected by the disease are being treated in different hospitals of the state.
Several NGOs have also come forward to help the victims of this disease in the hour of crisis. Medical Superintendent of Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital said that in the last 24 hours, only four new patients have come to notice, but no death has been reported.
For the last one month Children’s death due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome has been in news, while, Muzaffarpur has been the epicentre of this disese, deaths have also been reported from Samastipur and adjoining districts of Bihar.