New Delhi: The Congress described the deaths of children in Bihar due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) as a "national tragedy," saying that the Centre and state government were insensitive and unprepared.
Speaking to Etv Bharat, Bihar State Congress President Madan Mohan Jha said,"300 children have died due to Encephalitis but the government figure show deaths of only 150 children."
"There's no point asking for resignation from the them. Its is important that the children don't die and the ones admitted in hospitals be treated properly," Jha added.
He also said that MoS Health and Family Welfare, Ashwini Kumar Choubey was spotted sleeping in the presser organised over mounting encephalitis death tolls in Bihar, while Mangal Pandey had been asking for cricket score.
“The Prime Minister talks of India being the fastest growing economy but the reality is that 146 children have died in Muzaffarpur due to deficient health infrastructure,” he added.
Encephalitis is a viral disease that causes flu-like symptoms such as high fever, convulsions and headaches in patients. The state health department has cited hypoglycemia, a condition caused by very low levels of blood sugar, as one of the main reasons for the deaths. Mild encephalitis can be treated by bed rest and plenty of fluid intake. Anti-inflammatory drugs such as Tylenol, Advil, and Aleve can also be taken.
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