Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Malaria claims 17 lives in 15 days in Kalahandi

The Pioneer, 28th May, 2008
Pioneer News Service Bhawanipatna

After cholera, which recently took lives of several backward tribals in Thuamul-Rampur block of Kalahandi district, its now the turn of malaria, which has already claimed more than 17 deaths within a span of just five days.
Reports say that more than 100 other people are suffering from malaria and the number of the afflicted people is increasing day by day. Previously, malaria had taken lives of Badphala and Badchakari villages of this block. During that time the health department had assured to ensure free medical services but no steps have yet been taken.
Within the last 15 days, 17 deaths have been reported from Kerpai gram panchayat by the local sarpanch. According to the ward member and general public, three deaths have been reported from Kerpai village, two each from Kadhyal, Merkapal, Purlimall and Pilmall and one from Tavamandi.
According to the sources, there are only three doctors in the local hospital, out of whom one is on leave due to injury and another has been transferred. And now, a single doctor is hardly able to control the serious situation. A written petition in this regard has been submitted to the BDO by the sarpanch.

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