NHM sanctions Rs50 lakh to check Japanese Encephalitis in Malkangiri

Taking an urgent measure to check the outbreak of Japanese Encephalitis in Malkangiri district of Odisha, which has claimed the lives of as many as 29 children in last 28 days, the National Health Mission (NHM) has sanctioned 50 lakh rupees assistance to the district health administration for purchase of medicine and necessary equipment.

Health minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak, Health secretary Arati Ahuja, and a team of doctors had visited Malkangiri on Monday to take stock of the situation. They discussed with concerned health officials about the progress of preventive measures to tackle the situation. The team also interacted with the villagers in this regard.

Notably, the first incidence of the Japanese Encephalitis disease was identified in Malkangiri district in 2011. While 15 children had died of the disease between 2011 and 2014, there was no report of any death in 2015. However, the disease has claimed the lives of 29 children in last 28 days.