Malaria Outbreak in Tripura: Death Toll Rises
Malaria Outbreak in Tripura: Death Toll Rises
The total death toll from a malaria outbreak in northern Tripura has risen to 21. Nearly 400 people in this northeastern state have fallen ill due to the outbreak of this disease in 2 sub-divisions namely Gandachera and Longtharai Valley in tribal mountainous areas.
About 21 people which includes 18 children and youth have died due to this disease so far, according to the statement given to the media by Tripura's Health Minister Badal Choudhury. The death toll due to malaria unofficially stands at 30 while those who are ill number 600, according to sources quoted in media reports.
Choudhury who visited the malaria-affected areas with medical experts has indicated that medical teams have been despatched to the areas to deal with the problem. The leave of all medical health care professionals including doctors, nurses and health care workers have been cancelled. Health officers are also making visits to remote villages so that they can identify malaria patients and make arrangements for taking them for treatment to the hospitals.
A helicopter has also been on standby to ferry medical workers and professionals in the emergency. 5 temporal medical camps are functioning in affected areas for the treatment of malaria patients. Preventative measures are being taken. But inaction has taken its toll. Some medical healthcare staff have been suspended or are facing punitive action for not doing their duties. A senior health official has said that 50 health workers including 26 ASHA (Accredited social health activists), 13 ICDS (Integrated Child Development Services) and 3 Multi-Purpose Workers have either been suspended or are facing punishment for negligence.
Experts are providing guidance regarding the use of second generation medicine instead of traditional medicine. Along with speedy and effective treatment, a proactive approach is also needed. Medical assistance has to be provided on a regular basis, specially to remote areas, so that people do not die of a disease that is actually curable. The 8 northeastern states as well as West Bengal, Odisha, Chattisgarh, Jharkhand, AP, Karnataka, Gujarat and Maharashtra face high number of malaria deaths due to lack of adequate health care facilities.
Even as 500 patients including children have been admitted to 17 hospitals across Sabroom, Khowai, Gandacherra, Longtarai Valley, and Karbook, the need for more hospitals an health care centres is apparent. Another problem is the distances that need to be covered to reach the hospitals. There need to be hospitals in remote areas as well. This is a service which cannot be comprised on under any circumstances. Civil infrastructure such as hospitals and clinics can increase chances of survival.
Preventative health care precautions also need to be initiated so that people are aware how they can safeguard themselves against diseases. The Ministry of Health needs to redouble their efforts in this aspect of health care.
