
Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar on Friday evaded questions posed by journalists who were trying to ask him about the rising number of deaths in the state due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES).
Spreading across 16 districts the death toll in Bihar rose to over 136.
According to statistics released by the department, the total number of AES cases registered across the state since June 1 was 626, and the total number of deaths caused by the same has mounted to 136.
Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai has announced that all 17 BJP MPs of Bihar will donate Rs 25 lakh for their respective constituencies to build PICUs in Sadar Hospitals there.
Meanwhile, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan hadissued instructions for deployment of eight advanced life-support (ALS) ambulances in the affected districts.
The government has also announced that it would reimburse any expenses involved in getting children treated at private hospitals and nursing homes or hiring of ambulances.
Muzaffarpur district has bore the maximum brunt, accounting for 117 deaths so far. Besides, deaths have been reported from districts like Bhagalpur, East Champaran, Vaishali, Sitamarhi and Samastipur.
(With inputs from agencies)