NHRC notice to Odisha govt over Japanese encephalitis cases

04 October, Bhubaneswar

National Human Rights Commission,NHRC has issued notice to the Odisha government over media reports about death of many children due to the spread of Japanese Encephalitis in villages of Malkangiri district.

Taking suo motu cognisance of the report, the Commission issued notices to the State Health Secretary and District Collector and called for a report including the steps taken in this regard within four weeks.The Commission also observed that the authorities have to be sensitive towards the need to maintain cleanliness in the area.

It has stressed on the need to create awareness among the villagers towards the health hazard which is related to their tradition of rearing of pigs. It also said, vaccination of the children for protection from Japanese Encephalitis from the next year will be too late.

Meanwhile Centre has assured all help to the Odisha government to contain and manage the rising cases of Japanese Encephalitis in Malkangiri district of Odisha. Union Health Minister J P Nadda has directed the officials of his Ministry to monitor the situation closely.

In a statement, Mr Nadda said, Health Ministry is in constant touch with the State government and will provide all support to ensure that quality treatment is given and deaths are prevented.

Union Health Secretary C K Mishra also spoke to the Principal Health Secretary of Odisha on the issue. He was informed that two teams from the State have visited the endemic area for situation analysis.The Principal Secretary of the State also informed that the situation is under control and adequate steps have been taken to contain the disease.