Even as hospitals in Muzaffarpur grapple to deal with the outbreak of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bihar-deputy-cm-sushil-modi-refuses-to-answer-questions-on-deaths-due-to-encephalitis-in-conference-228669">Acute Encephalitis Syndrome</a> (AES), leaders from various political parties along with officials among others have been trooping in to take stock of the situation, which authorities say is hampering their work.

"Political leaders visiting hospitals is causing a disturbance in work. I urge the political parties to go to villages and try to raise awareness instead. There is no need of them in hospitals," said Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH) Superintendent Sunil Kumar Shahi.

As many as 112&nbsp;children have died of AES in Bihar's Muzaffarpur district including 93 children at Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH) and 19 others at Kejriwal Hospital.

"Till now, 372 children have been admitted here, of which 118 have been discharged and 57 will be discharged soon. It is unfortunate that we have lost 93 lives due to AES here," Shahi said.

Meanwhile, relatives of patients, mostly children, admitted to the SKMCH complained about frequent power cuts and a shortage of beds.

"There are frequent power cuts. It gets very hot in here. Children start crying. There are no other arrangements," said the mother of a child who is being treated in the hospital.

"There is a shortage of beds. We are treating two to three patients on one bed. The shortage will be resolved when more patients are discharged," the superintendent said.

Even as hospitals in Muzaffarpur grapple to deal with the outbreak of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES), leaders from various political parties along with officials among others have been trooping in to take stock of the situation, which authorities say is hampering their work.

Even as hospitals in Muzaffarpur grapple to deal with the outbreak of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES), leaders from various political parties along with officials among others have been trooping in to take stock of the situation, which authorities say is hampering their work. "Political leaders visiting hospitals is causing a disturbance in work. I urge the political parties to go to villages and try to raise awareness instead. There is no need of them in hospitals," said Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH) Superintendent Sunil Kumar Shahi. As many as 112 children have died of AES in Bihar's Muzaffarpur district including 93 children at Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH) and 19 others at Kejriwal Hospital. "Till now, 372 children have been admitted here, of which 118 have been discharged and 57 will be discharged soon. It is unfortunate that we have lost 93 lives due to AES here," Shahi said. Meanwhile, relatives of patients, mostly children, admitted to the SKMCH complained about frequent power cuts and a shortage of beds. "There are frequent power cuts. It gets very hot in here. Children start crying. There are no other arrangements," said the mother of a child who is being treated in the hospital. "There is a shortage of beds. We are treating two to three patients on one bed. The shortage will be resolved when more patients are discharged," the superintendent said.

Acute Encephalitis crisis: Hospital urges political parties to not disturb instead try to raise awareness in villages

Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Modi refused to answer journalists' questions on deaths of children due to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bihar-chief-minister-nitish-kumar-visits-muzaffarpur-to-take-stock-of-acute-encephalitis-outbreak-228249">Acute Encephalitis Syndrome</a> (AES)&nbsp;while addressing a press conference on Wednesday.

Over 100 children have died in Bihar due to the viral disease in Bihar's Muzaffarpur district including 93 children at Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH) and 19 others at Kejriwal Hospital.

While the number of children admitted to the hospital with AES is 372 since June 1, PTI reported.

The BJP leader was addressing media about the non-performing assets (NPA) crisis in the state and the performance of banks in the last financial year when was&nbsp;repeatedly questioned by reporters about child deaths due to the viral disease.

Reasoning his refusal over the questions Sushil Modi said,&nbsp;"I already told you this press conference is about banking committees."

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Acute Encephalitis Syndrome is a viral disease, which causes mild flu-like symptoms such as high fever, convulsions and headaches and has been claiming lives in the Bihar districts for the past few weeks.

Relatives of patients have alleged negligence by politicians to be the cause of the spread of AES. They have also complained about frequent power cuts and a shortage of beds.

Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-to-hear-plea-seeking-formation-of-team-for-treatment-of-kids-affected-by-encephalitis-in-bihar-228573">Supreme Court agreed to hear a plea</a> seeking a direction to the Centre to urgently constitute a team of medical experts for the treatment of the children in Bihar's Muzaffarpur, who are suffering from&nbsp;AES.

A vacation bench of justices Deepak Gupta and Surya Kant will hear the plea next Monday after the petitioner's counsel sought an urgent listing of the matter.

The plea also sought a direction to the Centre for providing all necessary medical equipment and other supports for the effective treatment of the children suffering from the epidemic disease.

(With inputs from agencies)

Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Modi refused to answer journalists' questions on deaths of children due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) while addressing a press conference on Wednesday.

Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Modi refused to answer journalists' questions on deaths of children due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) while addressing a press conference on Wednesday. Over 100 children have died in Bihar due to the viral disease in Bihar's Muzaffarpur district including 93 children at Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH) and 19 others at Kejriwal Hospital. While the number of children admitted to the hospital with AES is 372 since June 1, PTI reported. The BJP leader was addressing media about the non-performing assets (NPA) crisis in the state and the performance of banks in the last financial year when was repeatedly questioned by reporters about child deaths due to the viral disease. Reasoning his refusal over the questions Sushil Modi said, "I already told you this press conference is about banking committees." #WATCH Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Modi during a press conference refuses to answer journalists' questions on deaths of children due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) in Muzaffarpur; says, "I already told you this press conference is about banking committees" pic.twitter.com/dn4moNfJSC — ANI (@ANI) June 19, 2019 × Acute Encephalitis Syndrome is a viral disease, which causes mild flu-like symptoms such as high fever, convulsions and headaches and has been claiming lives in the Bihar districts for the past few weeks. Relatives of patients have alleged negligence by politicians to be the cause of the spread of AES. They have also complained about frequent power cuts and a shortage of beds. Meanwhile, Supreme Court agreed to hear a plea seeking a direction to the Centre to urgently constitute a team of medical experts for the treatment of the children in Bihar's Muzaffarpur, who are suffering from AES. A vacation bench of justices Deepak Gupta and Surya Kant will hear the plea next Monday after the petitioner's counsel sought an urgent listing of the matter. The plea also sought a direction to the Centre for providing all necessary medical equipment and other supports for the effective treatment of the children suffering from the epidemic disease. (With inputs from agencies)

Bihar Deputy CM Sushil Modi refuses to answer questions on deaths due to Encephalitis in conference

Public grief gave way to outrage as angry people raised slogans against Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday when he visited a hospital in Muzaffarpur district, where over 100 children had died so far due to acute encephalitis syndrome (AES).

Kumar, who was away in New Delhi since Saturday, had returned to Patna on Monday evening and held an emergency review meeting on the AES situation with officials.

On Tuesday morning, the chief minister rushed to the Shri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH) in Muzaffarpur, where more than 300 children have been admitted with complaints of AES since June 1 and close to 90 of them died.

Kumar, Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Modi and local MLA Suresh Sharma went inside the ICU to meet the patients before holding an impromptu review meeting with the hospital authorities and other state Health Department officials.

In the meantime, scores of people gathered outside the hospital and started shouting slogans like "Nitish Kumar go back", as they vent their anger over the chief minister for visiting the area after the number of casualties had crossed the three-digit mark.

Speaking to journalists, they pointed out to a water tanker. "This is today's development. Things are being spruced up so that it makes a favourable impression on the chief minister," one of the protesters said. "Had the CM visited earlier, it would have made the officials concerned pull up their socks and many lives could have been saved."

The death toll has climbed to 110 in the SKMCH and the Kejriwal hospital, while one died in neighbouring East Champaran district. Although most of the AES cases have been reported from Muzaffarpur, it has also been reported from adjoining districts like East Champaran and Vaishali.

Eyewitnesses said no sooner than Kumar stepped inside the ICU, parents and guardians burst into sobs and begged the chief minister to save their children who are battling for lives. Kumar reportedly consoled them and interacted with the ailing children, enquiring whether they were getting food and medicines in time.

Officials of the Union health department had visited the district over the weekend and clarified that AES was an umbrella of symptoms, unlike a viral infection like Japanese encephalitis. The symptoms include high fever, convulsions and extremely-low blood-sugar level.

Among the factors said to trigger the syndrome are malnutrition. Moreover, the lychee grown in Muzaffarpur is said to contain a toxin that can cause a drop in blood-sugar levels if consumed by a malnourished child.

The Opposition, meanwhile, attacked the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) over the deaths.

In a series of tweets, former chief minister Rabri Devi asked whether Kumar, in power for about 14 years, should be held accountable for the deaths.

Without mentioning any name, the Rashtriya Janata Dal vice-president apparently took potshots at Union Minister of State for Health Ashwini Choubey and state Health Minister Mangal Pandey for their reported conduct during their visit to Muzaffarpur on Sunday.

While Choubey is said to have been dozing off while Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan briefed the media, Pandey was reportedly inquiring about the score of the World Cup match between India and Pakistan at a review meeting with health officials.

State Congress president Madan Mohan Jha led a candlelight march in the evening in protest against the loss of lives because of the AES outbreak and the intense heatwave that has been reeling for the past few days.

Chief Secretary Deepak Kumar, who accompanied the chief minister to Muzaffarpur, briefed the media in Patna about important decisions taken by the state government.

"The CM and his team went to almost every bed and enquired the patients' parents. None of them complained about arrangements (at hospital), nor made any comment. We are satisfied with the doctors' work," the chief secretary said.

The official said Nitish Kumar had directed the implementation of both short-term and long-term measures to improve the situation at the SKMCH, which include upgrading 600 beds at the hospital to 2,500.

"Nine-hundred beds will be added by the next year, while the remaining will be added gradually. Besides, the existing 50-bed paediatric ICU will be upgraded to 100 beds," he said, adding that a rest house would be constructed for the people coming for treatment.

The official asserted that there were no dearth of doctors at the SKMCH and 31 doctors were treating the patients. He added that eight more doctors would be sent to the hospital from the Patna Medical College and Hospital and Darbhanga Medical College and Hospital.

Stating that the reason behind the deaths was still not known, the chief secretary said a "socio-economic- environmental study" would be conducted of all the affected families, numbering over 400, from Wednesday.

The survey team will try to find out whether the affected families' overall condition, especially economic situation, level of sanitation, environmental issue (hot-and- humid conditions) were among the possible reasons for the outbreak of the disease.&nbsp;

Public grief gave way to outrage as angry people raised slogans against Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday when he visited a hospital in Muzaffarpur district, where over 100 children had died so far due to acute encephalitis syndrome (AES).

Public grief gave way to outrage as angry people raised slogans against Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday when he visited a hospital in Muzaffarpur district, where over 100 children had died so far due to acute encephalitis syndrome (AES). Kumar, who was away in New Delhi since Saturday, had returned to Patna on Monday evening and held an emergency review meeting on the AES situation with officials. On Tuesday morning, the chief minister rushed to the Shri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH) in Muzaffarpur, where more than 300 children have been admitted with complaints of AES since June 1 and close to 90 of them died. Kumar, Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Modi and local MLA Suresh Sharma went inside the ICU to meet the patients before holding an impromptu review meeting with the hospital authorities and other state Health Department officials. In the meantime, scores of people gathered outside the hospital and started shouting slogans like "Nitish Kumar go back", as they vent their anger over the chief minister for visiting the area after the number of casualties had crossed the three-digit mark. Speaking to journalists, they pointed out to a water tanker. "This is today's development. Things are being spruced up so that it makes a favourable impression on the chief minister," one of the protesters said. "Had the CM visited earlier, it would have made the officials concerned pull up their socks and many lives could have been saved." The death toll has climbed to 110 in the SKMCH and the Kejriwal hospital, while one died in neighbouring East Champaran district. Although most of the AES cases have been reported from Muzaffarpur, it has also been reported from adjoining districts like East Champaran and Vaishali. Eyewitnesses said no sooner than Kumar stepped inside the ICU, parents and guardians burst into sobs and begged the chief minister to save their children who are battling for lives. Kumar reportedly consoled them and interacted with the ailing children, enquiring whether they were getting food and medicines in time. Officials of the Union health department had visited the district over the weekend and clarified that AES was an umbrella of symptoms, unlike a viral infection like Japanese encephalitis. The symptoms include high fever, convulsions and extremely-low blood-sugar level. Among the factors said to trigger the syndrome are malnutrition. Moreover, the lychee grown in Muzaffarpur is said to contain a toxin that can cause a drop in blood-sugar levels if consumed by a malnourished child. The Opposition, meanwhile, attacked the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) over the deaths. In a series of tweets, former chief minister Rabri Devi asked whether Kumar, in power for about 14 years, should be held accountable for the deaths. Without mentioning any name, the Rashtriya Janata Dal vice-president apparently took potshots at Union Minister of State for Health Ashwini Choubey and state Health Minister Mangal Pandey for their reported conduct during their visit to Muzaffarpur on Sunday. While Choubey is said to have been dozing off while Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan briefed the media, Pandey was reportedly inquiring about the score of the World Cup match between India and Pakistan at a review meeting with health officials. State Congress president Madan Mohan Jha led a candlelight march in the evening in protest against the loss of lives because of the AES outbreak and the intense heatwave that has been reeling for the past few days. Chief Secretary Deepak Kumar, who accompanied the chief minister to Muzaffarpur, briefed the media in Patna about important decisions taken by the state government. "The CM and his team went to almost every bed and enquired the patients' parents. None of them complained about arrangements (at hospital), nor made any comment. We are satisfied with the doctors' work," the chief secretary said. The official said Nitish Kumar had directed the implementation of both short-term and long-term measures to improve the situation at the SKMCH, which include upgrading 600 beds at the hospital to 2,500. "Nine-hundred beds will be added by the next year, while the remaining will be added gradually. Besides, the existing 50-bed paediatric ICU will be upgraded to 100 beds," he said, adding that a rest house would be constructed for the people coming for treatment. The official asserted that there were no dearth of doctors at the SKMCH and 31 doctors were treating the patients. He added that eight more doctors would be sent to the hospital from the Patna Medical College and Hospital and Darbhanga Medical College and Hospital. Stating that the reason behind the deaths was still not known, the chief secretary said a "socio-economic- environmental study" would be conducted of all the affected families, numbering over 400, from Wednesday. The survey team will try to find out whether the affected families' overall condition, especially economic situation, level of sanitation, environmental issue (hot-and- humid conditions) were among the possible reasons for the outbreak of the disease.

Protests greet Nitish Kumar during Muzaffarpur hospital visit; toll climbs to 111 

BJP MP from Muzaffarpur Ajay Nishad on Monday said that the number of doctors required to handle the patients suffering from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amid-rising-encephalitis-deaths-nitish-kumar-calls-internal-meeting-with-health-department-seniors-227986">Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES)</a> was not enough.

Nishad said, "I am very sad with the death toll due to AES. This number should have been zero if doctors were available in more numbers and would have worked at a greater pace. Despite, both the Union and the state governments working to check the spread of the disease, the death toll reached so high which is very sad and shocking as well."

He said, "Most of the affected children belong to poor families because they are exposed to hot and humid conditions which are responsible for the disease."

"There have been deaths due to AES in the past but this year death toll reached very high," he added.

The BJP MP also gave the data regarding the number of deaths in Bihar due to AES in the last 8 years. He said, "In 2010, 59 patients were admitted in hospitals due to AES and 24 had died. In 2011, 121 people were admitted and 45 died. In 2012, 336 were admitted and 120 died. In 2013, 124 were admitted and 39 died, in 2014, 342 were admitted and 86 died, in 2015, 75 admitted and 11 died, in 2016, 30 admitted and 4 died, in 2017, 9 admitted and 4 died and in 2018, 35 admitted and 11 died."

AES took at least 100 lives in Muzaffarpur this year.&nbsp;

BJP MP from Muzaffarpur Ajay Nishad on Monday said that the number of doctors required to handle the patients suffering from Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) was not enough.

BJP MP from Muzaffarpur Ajay Nishad on Monday said that the number of doctors required to handle the patients suffering from Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) was not enough. Nishad said, "I am very sad with the death toll due to AES. This number should have been zero if doctors were available in more numbers and would have worked at a greater pace. Despite, both the Union and the state governments working to check the spread of the disease, the death toll reached so high which is very sad and shocking as well." He said, "Most of the affected children belong to poor families because they are exposed to hot and humid conditions which are responsible for the disease." "There have been deaths due to AES in the past but this year death toll reached very high," he added. The BJP MP also gave the data regarding the number of deaths in Bihar due to AES in the last 8 years. He said, "In 2010, 59 patients were admitted in hospitals due to AES and 24 had died. In 2011, 121 people were admitted and 45 died. In 2012, 336 were admitted and 120 died. In 2013, 124 were admitted and 39 died, in 2014, 342 were admitted and 86 died, in 2015, 75 admitted and 11 died, in 2016, 30 admitted and 4 died, in 2017, 9 admitted and 4 died and in 2018, 35 admitted and 11 died." AES took at least 100 lives in Muzaffarpur this year.

Number of doctors required to handle Acute Encephalitis Syndrome 'not enough': BJP MP

After acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) took at least <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bihar-death-toll-rises-to-107-due-to-acute-encephalitis-syndrome-227834">100 lives in Muzaffarpur, Bihar</a> Chief Minister Nitish Kumar called an internal meeting with the health department senior officials today.

Nitish Kumar recently announced an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh each to the families of the children, who died due to AES in Muzaffarpur.

He had also given directions to the Health Department, district administration and doctors to take necessary measures to fight the disease.AES is a viral disease, which causes mild flu-like symptoms such as high fever, convulsions, and headaches.

The death toll due to encephalitis in Muzaffarpur rose to 100 on Monday, officials said. According to official data, 83 children have died in Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH), while 17 have lost their lives in Kejriwal hospital in the city.

Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan on Sunday said the Centre would set up a state-of-the-art research centre here within a year to deal with the menace of AES. 
 
Nitish Kumar met former President Pranab Mukherjee in New Delhi on Sunday. However, what transpired between the duo is not known.&nbsp;

After acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) took at least 100 lives in Muzaffarpur, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar called an internal meeting with the health department senior officials today.

After acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) took at least 100 lives in Muzaffarpur, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar called an internal meeting with the health department senior officials today. Nitish Kumar recently announced an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh each to the families of the children, who died due to AES in Muzaffarpur. He had also given directions to the Health Department, district administration and doctors to take necessary measures to fight the disease.AES is a viral disease, which causes mild flu-like symptoms such as high fever, convulsions, and headaches. The death toll due to encephalitis in Muzaffarpur rose to 100 on Monday, officials said. According to official data, 83 children have died in Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH), while 17 have lost their lives in Kejriwal hospital in the city. Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan on Sunday said the Centre would set up a state-of-the-art research centre here within a year to deal with the menace of AES. Nitish Kumar met former President Pranab Mukherjee in New Delhi on Sunday. However, what transpired between the duo is not known.

Amid rising encephalitis deaths, Nitish Kumar calls internal meeting with health department seniors

The death toll of children due to suspected Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) in Bihar on Sunday has reached 100.&nbsp;

Earlier on Saturday, the death toll was at 84 and in the wake of the fatalities, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced an ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh each to families of the children who died due to AES in Muzaffarpur.&nbsp;

Doctors claim that the deaths, due to AES, are being caused due to excessive heat and humidity. Scorching heat on Saturday claimed the lives of least 25 people from various districts of the state on Saturday.

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan arrived in the state capital today to review public health measures for containment and management of the AES.

Vardhan had previously said that the Centre was constantly monitoring the situation and supporting state health authorities to manage the encephalitis cases.

The minister was greeted here with black flags displayed by workers of the Jan Adhikar Party Loktantrik (LJP) who shouted slogans against him.

Meanwhile, on Sunday attendants of patients admitted to the SKMCH alleged that there were no doctors on call during the night.

"My daughter is in the ICU room of SKMCH. The death toll is increasing day by day. There were no doctors after 12 in the night and only nurses are here. There are four bodies inside ICU," Mohammad Aftab told ANI.

Another attendant, Sunil Ram said, "My four-year-old daughter was admitted to hospital on Saturday. She was declared dead today. There is no facility in SKMCH."

In the wake of the fatalities, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar&nbsp;gave directions to the health department, district administration and doctors to take necessary measures to fight the disease.

Earlier, Bihar Health Minister Mangal Pandey said the state government is doing its best to save children.

"We are trying everything and anything that can save children's lives. Everything is being made available from medicines to doctors. We have even called doctors and nurses from AIIMS in Patna," he said.

"There is a protocol regarding what kind of medicines and facilities should be given and we are doing the same. We are monitoring things regularly and trying to save our children," Pandey said.

Recalling the situation that prevailed five years ago, Pandey said a team that was formed to ascertain the cause of this disease concluded that sleeping empty stomach at night, dehydration due to humidity and eating lychee on empty stomach were some of the causes of Encephalitis.

"Our government has tried to spread awareness which will be beneficial as well. Advertisement in newspapers, radio jingles, pamphlets and mic announcements are going to spread awareness regarding the disease. Health ministry is also working on it," he said.

Encephalitis is a viral disease, which causes mild flu-like symptoms such as high fever, convulsions and headaches and has been claiming lives in the district for the past few weeks.

(With inputs from ANI)

The death toll of children due to suspected Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) in Bihar on Sunday has reached 100. Earlier on Saturday, the death toll was at 84 and in the wake of the fatalities, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced an ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh each to families of the children who died due to AES in Muzaffarpur.

The death toll of children due to suspected Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) in Bihar on Sunday has reached 100. Earlier on Saturday, the death toll was at 84 and in the wake of the fatalities, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced an ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh each to families of the children who died due to AES in Muzaffarpur. Doctors claim that the deaths, due to AES, are being caused due to excessive heat and humidity. Scorching heat on Saturday claimed the lives of least 25 people from various districts of the state on Saturday. Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan arrived in the state capital today to review public health measures for containment and management of the AES. Vardhan had previously said that the Centre was constantly monitoring the situation and supporting state health authorities to manage the encephalitis cases. The minister was greeted here with black flags displayed by workers of the Jan Adhikar Party Loktantrik (LJP) who shouted slogans against him. Meanwhile, on Sunday attendants of patients admitted to the SKMCH alleged that there were no doctors on call during the night. "My daughter is in the ICU room of SKMCH. The death toll is increasing day by day. There were no doctors after 12 in the night and only nurses are here. There are four bodies inside ICU," Mohammad Aftab told ANI. Another attendant, Sunil Ram said, "My four-year-old daughter was admitted to hospital on Saturday. She was declared dead today. There is no facility in SKMCH." In the wake of the fatalities, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar gave directions to the health department, district administration and doctors to take necessary measures to fight the disease. Earlier, Bihar Health Minister Mangal Pandey said the state government is doing its best to save children. "We are trying everything and anything that can save children's lives. Everything is being made available from medicines to doctors. We have even called doctors and nurses from AIIMS in Patna," he said. "There is a protocol regarding what kind of medicines and facilities should be given and we are doing the same. We are monitoring things regularly and trying to save our children," Pandey said. Recalling the situation that prevailed five years ago, Pandey said a team that was formed to ascertain the cause of this disease concluded that sleeping empty stomach at night, dehydration due to humidity and eating lychee on empty stomach were some of the causes of Encephalitis. "Our government has tried to spread awareness which will be beneficial as well. Advertisement in newspapers, radio jingles, pamphlets and mic announcements are going to spread awareness regarding the disease. Health ministry is also working on it," he said. Encephalitis is a viral disease, which causes mild flu-like symptoms such as high fever, convulsions and headaches and has been claiming lives in the district for the past few weeks. (With inputs from ANI)

Bihar: Death toll due to suspected acute encephalitis mounts to 100 in Muzaffarpur

The death toll of children due to suspected Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) in Bihar reached 107 on Sunday out of which 93 deaths were reported from Muzaffarpur district.

In Bihar's Vaishali district, eleven children were reported to have died due to the viral disease while in Motihari district, two deaths were reported. In Begusarai one child has died due to AES.

In the wake of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bihar-death-toll-due-to-suspected-acute-encephalitis-mounts-to-100-in-muzaffarpur-227503">mounting death toll</a>, Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan visited the families of the children suffering from suspected AES in Muzaffarpur and assured them of all possible help from the Centre.

Vardhan, his deputy Ashwini Kumar Choubey and Bihar Health Minister Mangal Pandey visited the Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital in Muzaffarpur.

"I assure the people of the area, especially the affected families, that the government will extend all possible help and measures to the state government," Vardhan told reporters here.

The central ministers, however, faced public outrage as black flags were shown to their convoy by demonstrators who alleged <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/doctors-say-better-health-infrastructure-could-have-contained-encephalitis-227570">inadequate services by the hospital</a> and negligence by politicians to be the cause of the spread of AES.

Attributing heat and humidity as a possible reason behind the disease, the minister said the Ministry of Earth Sciences would help formulate an action plan with the state government to deal with the situation.

Meanwhile, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday announced an ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh each to families of the children who died due to the disease.&nbsp;

He has also given directions to the health department, district administration and doctors to take necessary measures to fight the menace.

Bihar Health Minister Mangal Pandey on Saturday said that the state government is doing its best to save children.&nbsp;

Acute Encephalitis Syndrome is a viral disease, which causes mild flu-like symptoms such as high fever, convulsions and headaches and has been claiming lives in the district for the past few weeks.

(With inputs from agencies)

The death toll of children due to suspected Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) in Bihar reached 107 on Sunday out of which 93 deaths were reported from Muzaffarpur district.

The death toll of children due to suspected Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) in Bihar reached 107 on Sunday out of which 93 deaths were reported from Muzaffarpur district. In Bihar's Vaishali district, eleven children were reported to have died due to the viral disease while in Motihari district, two deaths were reported. In Begusarai one child has died due to AES. In the wake of the mounting death toll, Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan visited the families of the children suffering from suspected AES in Muzaffarpur and assured them of all possible help from the Centre. Vardhan, his deputy Ashwini Kumar Choubey and Bihar Health Minister Mangal Pandey visited the Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital in Muzaffarpur. "I assure the people of the area, especially the affected families, that the government will extend all possible help and measures to the state government," Vardhan told reporters here. The central ministers, however, faced public outrage as black flags were shown to their convoy by demonstrators who alleged inadequate services by the hospital and negligence by politicians to be the cause of the spread of AES. Attributing heat and humidity as a possible reason behind the disease, the minister said the Ministry of Earth Sciences would help formulate an action plan with the state government to deal with the situation. Meanwhile, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday announced an ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh each to families of the children who died due to the disease. He has also given directions to the health department, district administration and doctors to take necessary measures to fight the menace. Bihar Health Minister Mangal Pandey on Saturday said that the state government is doing its best to save children. Acute Encephalitis Syndrome is a viral disease, which causes mild flu-like symptoms such as high fever, convulsions and headaches and has been claiming lives in the district for the past few weeks. (With inputs from agencies)

Bihar: Death toll due to suspected acute encephalitis rises to 107; Harsh Vardhan assures all help from centre

As Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) continues to claim lives in Bihar's Muzaffarpur district, medical doctors have said that better health infrastructure could have helped contain the disease and save lives.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bihar-death-toll-due-to-suspected-acute-encephalitis-mounts-to-100-in-muzaffarpur-227503">death toll in Bihar,</a> which is grappling under the deadly encephalitis, reached 100 till Sunday afternoon.

Randeep Guleria, Director at AIIMS told ANI, "Unfortunately, encephalitis is common in Bihar and many types of research are being done. Our aim is to get control over the deaths. There is a need to increase health infrastructure."

"AIIMS is ready to give support. The central government is also looking into it. Over the next few years, we will be able to control Japanese Encephalitis," he said.

National President of Indian Medical Association, Doctor Ranjan Sharma said that the IMA should be roped in by the government to suggest remedies of Encephalitis, which usually breaks out in summers.

"Every year it is being said that everything has been done to contain it but it still occurs. It is not the doctors who can be blamed. Lack of infrastructure, basic cleanliness and various communities working have to come up in a big way," Sharma told ANI.

"The government has to take up IMA in a very active role in suggesting ways and remedies. Every answer does not lie with the government. It is the people who are subjected to ground realities," he said.

In the wake of the fatalities, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced an ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh each to families of the children who died due to AES in Muzaffarpur. He also gave directions to the health department, district administration and doctors to take necessary measures to fight the disease.

Earlier, Bihar Health Minister Mangal Pandey said the state government is doing its best to save the children.

"We are trying everything and anything that can save children`s lives. Everything is being made available from medicines to doctors. We have even called doctors and nurses from AIIMS in Patna," he said.

"There is a protocol regarding what kind of medicines and facilities should be given and we are doing the same. We are monitoring things regularly and trying to save our children," Pandey said. 
&nbsp;

As Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) continues to claim lives in Bihar's Muzaffarpur district, medical doctors have said that better health infrastructure could have helped contain the disease and save lives.

As Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) continues to claim lives in Bihar's Muzaffarpur district, medical doctors have said that better health infrastructure could have helped contain the disease and save lives. The death toll in Bihar, which is grappling under the deadly encephalitis, reached 100 till Sunday afternoon. Randeep Guleria, Director at AIIMS told ANI, "Unfortunately, encephalitis is common in Bihar and many types of research are being done. Our aim is to get control over the deaths. There is a need to increase health infrastructure." "AIIMS is ready to give support. The central government is also looking into it. Over the next few years, we will be able to control Japanese Encephalitis," he said. National President of Indian Medical Association, Doctor Ranjan Sharma said that the IMA should be roped in by the government to suggest remedies of Encephalitis, which usually breaks out in summers. "Every year it is being said that everything has been done to contain it but it still occurs. It is not the doctors who can be blamed. Lack of infrastructure, basic cleanliness and various communities working have to come up in a big way," Sharma told ANI. "The government has to take up IMA in a very active role in suggesting ways and remedies. Every answer does not lie with the government. It is the people who are subjected to ground realities," he said. In the wake of the fatalities, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced an ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh each to families of the children who died due to AES in Muzaffarpur. He also gave directions to the health department, district administration and doctors to take necessary measures to fight the disease. Earlier, Bihar Health Minister Mangal Pandey said the state government is doing its best to save the children. "We are trying everything and anything that can save children`s lives. Everything is being made available from medicines to doctors. We have even called doctors and nurses from AIIMS in Patna," he said. "There is a protocol regarding what kind of medicines and facilities should be given and we are doing the same. We are monitoring things regularly and trying to save our children," Pandey said.

Bihar: Doctors say better health infrastructure could have contained Encephalitis

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Sunday visited Bihar's Muzaffarnagar district, where 81 children have died due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) in the past fortnight.

Health Minister Harsh Vardhan reaches AES-hit Muzaffarnagar

As many as 66 children have died due to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-watch-acute-encephalitis-syndrome-breakout-227219">Acute Encephalitis Syndrome </a>(AES) in Muzaffarpur district of Bihar, officials said.

A total of 55 patients died at Shri Krishna Medical College while 11 of them died in private Kejriwal hospital in Muzaffarpur. Till now over 130 have been hospitalised in the district.

District Magistrate of Muzaffarpur on Friday said that for students till class eight, schools will remain closed till June 22 and for students in higher standards, classes will be held only till 10.30 am.<iframe data-google-container-id="6" data-load-complete="true" frameborder="0" height="1" id="google_ads_iframe_/1068322/NDTV_News_ROS_Native_Outstream_0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" name="google_ads_iframe_/1068322/NDTV_News_ROS_Native_Outstream_0" scrolling="no" srcdoc="" title="3rd party ad content" width="1"></iframe>

Encephalitis is a viral disease, which causes mild flu-like symptoms such as high fever, convulsions and headaches and has been claiming lives in the district for the past few weeks.

As many as 66 children have died due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) in Muzaffarpur district of Bihar, officials said. A total of 55 patients died at Shri Krishna Medical College while 11 of them died in private Kejriwal hospital in Muzaffarpur.

As many as 66 children have died due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) in Muzaffarpur district of Bihar, officials said. A total of 55 patients died at Shri Krishna Medical College while 11 of them died in private Kejriwal hospital in Muzaffarpur. Till now over 130 have been hospitalised in the district. District Magistrate of Muzaffarpur on Friday said that for students till class eight, schools will remain closed till June 22 and for students in higher standards, classes will be held only till 10.30 am. Encephalitis is a viral disease, which causes mild flu-like symptoms such as high fever, convulsions and headaches and has been claiming lives in the district for the past few weeks.

Encephalitis death toll rises to 66 in Muzaffarpur; 130 hospitalised

As many as 54 children have died over the past few weeks due to the Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) and over 130 have been hospitalised till now in Bihar's in Muzaffarpur.

A total of 46 patients died at Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH) while eight succumbed at the private Kejriwal Hospital on Thursday.

Earlier today, Civil Surgeon Shailesh Kumar Singh said, "Forty seven children have died due to AES and 137 are admitted in hospitals with high fever and other symptoms of the infection. 137 people were admitted in SKMCH hospital out of whom 40 causalities were reported."

Apart from this, Singh said, "41 people were admitted in Kejriwal Hospital where seven causalities were reported, taking the death toll to 47."

Encephalitis is a viral infection which causes mild flu-like symptoms such as high fever, convulsions, and headaches. 
&nbsp;

As many as 54 children have died over the past few weeks due to the Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) and over 130 have been hospitalised till now in Bihar's in Muzaffarpur.

As many as 54 children have died over the past few weeks due to the Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) and over 130 have been hospitalised till now in Bihar's in Muzaffarpur. A total of 46 patients died at Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH) while eight succumbed at the private Kejriwal Hospital on Thursday. Earlier today, Civil Surgeon Shailesh Kumar Singh said, "Forty seven children have died due to AES and 137 are admitted in hospitals with high fever and other symptoms of the infection. 137 people were admitted in SKMCH hospital out of whom 40 causalities were reported." Apart from this, Singh said, "41 people were admitted in Kejriwal Hospital where seven causalities were reported, taking the death toll to 47." Encephalitis is a viral infection which causes mild flu-like symptoms such as high fever, convulsions, and headaches.

Bihar: Encephalitis claims 54 children; 132 hospitalised in Muzaffarpur

The death toll has climbed to 57 due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) in Bihar's Muzaffarpur. "Out of the total number, 47 children have died in Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH) while 10 succumbed at the private Kejriwal Hospital," state health minister Mangal Pandey told the media persons on Friday.

He added that more beds are being provided in both hospitals. The state government has constituted a team comprising one professor, three associate professors, four assistant professors, nine senior residents and 15 junior residents are looking into the crisis.

Union health minister Dr Harsh Vardhan held a meeting with Pandey and assured all support and assistance to the state government. "I have held two meetings with the Bihar health minister and assured him of providing of all possible help," said Vardhan.

He further added that a team of doctors from the Centre visited both hospitals where children are being treated and has been advising the state government in management and containment of the cases.

He pitched for an extensive awareness campaign. The union health minister said people should be sensitised to the need for taking their children for timely treatment to nearby primary health centres (PHCs) before the child gets critical. "Timely identification of the symptoms of hypoglycemia shall hugely contribute to timely and effective treatment. The children should be brought to the PHC as soon as these symptoms are noticed," he said.

Encephalitis is a viral infection which causes mild flu-like symptoms such as high fever, convulsions, and headaches.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

The death toll has climbed to 57 due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) in Bihar's Muzaffarpur. "Out of the total number, 47 children have died in Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH) while 10 succumbed at the private Kejriwal Hospital," state health minister Mangal Pandey told the media persons on Friday.

The death toll has climbed to 57 due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) in Bihar's Muzaffarpur. "Out of the total number, 47 children have died in Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH) while 10 succumbed at the private Kejriwal Hospital," state health minister Mangal Pandey told the media persons on Friday. He added that more beds are being provided in both hospitals. The state government has constituted a team comprising one professor, three associate professors, four assistant professors, nine senior residents and 15 junior residents are looking into the crisis. Union health minister Dr Harsh Vardhan held a meeting with Pandey and assured all support and assistance to the state government. "I have held two meetings with the Bihar health minister and assured him of providing of all possible help," said Vardhan. He further added that a team of doctors from the Centre visited both hospitals where children are being treated and has been advising the state government in management and containment of the cases. He pitched for an extensive awareness campaign. The union health minister said people should be sensitised to the need for taking their children for timely treatment to nearby primary health centres (PHCs) before the child gets critical. "Timely identification of the symptoms of hypoglycemia shall hugely contribute to timely and effective treatment. The children should be brought to the PHC as soon as these symptoms are noticed," he said. Encephalitis is a viral infection which causes mild flu-like symptoms such as high fever, convulsions, and headaches. (With inputs from agencies)

Encephalitis toll climbs to 57 in Bihar; Union health minister Harsh Vardhan assures all assistance to state government

As many as 47 children have died due to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/muzaffarpur-31-children-die-of-acute-encephalitis-syndrome-in-june-226418">Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) in Muzaffarpur</a> and over 130 are admitted in hospitals, a government doctor said on Thursday.

Civil Surgeon Shailesh Kumar Singh said, "47 children have died due to AES and 137 are admitted in hospitals with high fever and other symptoms of the infection."

He said, "137 people were admitted in SKMCH hospital out of whom 40 causalities were reported."

Apart from this, "41 people were admitted in Kejriwal Hospital where seven causalities were reported, taking the toll to 47," Singh said.

Encephalitis is a viral infection which causes mild flu-like symptoms such as a fever and a headache.&nbsp;

As many as 47 children have died due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) in Muzaffarpur and over 130 are admitted in hospitals, a government doctor said on Thursday.

As many as 47 children have died due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) in Muzaffarpur and over 130 are admitted in hospitals, a government doctor said on Thursday. Civil Surgeon Shailesh Kumar Singh said, "47 children have died due to AES and 137 are admitted in hospitals with high fever and other symptoms of the infection." He said, "137 people were admitted in SKMCH hospital out of whom 40 causalities were reported." Apart from this, "41 people were admitted in Kejriwal Hospital where seven causalities were reported, taking the toll to 47," Singh said. Encephalitis is a viral infection which causes mild flu-like symptoms such as a fever and a headache.

Muzaffarpur: 47 children died due to encephalitis; over 130 in hospitals

Kashif Jameel, 34, brother of Dr Kafeel Khan, an accused in the BRD Medical College case involving the death of 63 children, was shot at allegedly by some unidentified bike-borne miscreants on Sunday night.

"He is recovering now. A case has not been registered yet as police are waiting for his health to improve so he can tell what actually happened. He was shot just 500 meters away from CM residence, last night," said Dr Kafeel Khan

Dr Kafeel was booked as an accused in the BRD medical college tragedy that took place in Gorakhpur in which several children reportedly died due to a lack of oxygen supply.

He was sent to jail last year in September and is currently out on bail after spending around 8 months in prison.

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He is recovering now. A case has not been registered yet as police are waiting for his health to improve so he can tell what actually happened. He was shot just 500 meters away from CM residence, last night: Dr Kafeel Khan on his brother being shot at. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gorakhpur?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gorakhpur</a> <a href="https://t.co/3jPEDbK8Qb">pic.twitter.com/3jPEDbK8Qb</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1006031373369393153?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Dr Kafeel was booked as an accused in the BRD medical college tragedy that took place in Gorakhpur in which several children reportedly died due to a lack of oxygen supply.

Kashif Jameel, 34, brother of Dr Kafeel Khan, an accused in the BRD Medical College case involving the death of 63 children, was shot at allegedly by some unidentified bike-borne miscreants on Sunday night. "He is recovering now. A case has not been registered yet as police are waiting for his health to improve so he can tell what actually happened. He was shot just 500 meters away from CM residence, last night," said Dr Kafeel Khan Dr Kafeel was booked as an accused in the BRD medical college tragedy that took place in Gorakhpur in which several children reportedly died due to a lack of oxygen supply. He was sent to jail last year in September and is currently out on bail after spending around 8 months in prison. He is recovering now. A case has not been registered yet as police are waiting for his health to improve so he can tell what actually happened. He was shot just 500 meters away from CM residence, last night: Dr Kafeel Khan on his brother being shot at. #Gorakhpur pic.twitter.com/3jPEDbK8Qb — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) June 11, 2018 ×

Brother of Gorakhpur encephalitis tragedy accused Kafeel Khan shot at

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath flagged off a programme in Pipraich to eradicate Japanese Encephalitis on Monday.

The programme, which includes vaccination drive against Encephalitis and cleanliness drive, will conclude on April 16.

"Eastern Uttar Pradesh and 38 of our districts are majorly affected from Encephalitis. Today onwards till April 16, we are beginning this programme under which we will conduct vaccination drive against Japanese Encephalitis, and cleanliness drive and provision of pure water for prevention from acute encephalitis syndrome," Yogi told reporters at the programme launch here.

Under the programme, adequate medical care will also be ensured, along with imparting training to paramedical staff and pediatrics.

"Through this programme, we will be successful in eradicating Encephalitis from the state, and especially the 38 districts," he added.

The Chief Minister also launched the 'School Chalo Abhiyan'&nbspwhich will conclude on April 30. Under the programme, the state aims to help children get access to primary education.

The Chief Minister also launched the 'School Chalo Abhiyan' which will conclude on April 30

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath flagged off a programme in Pipraich to eradicate Japanese Encephalitis on Monday. The programme, which includes vaccination drive against Encephalitis and cleanliness drive, will conclude on April 16. "Eastern Uttar Pradesh and 38 of our districts are majorly affected from Encephalitis. Today onwards till April 16, we are beginning this programme under which we will conduct vaccination drive against Japanese Encephalitis, and cleanliness drive and provision of pure water for prevention from acute encephalitis syndrome," Yogi told reporters at the programme launch here. Under the programme, adequate medical care will also be ensured, along with imparting training to paramedical staff and pediatrics. "Through this programme, we will be successful in eradicating Encephalitis from the state, and especially the 38 districts," he added. The Chief Minister also launched the 'School Chalo Abhiyan'&nbspwhich will conclude on April 30. Under the programme, the state aims to help children get access to primary education.

Adityanath initiates programme to combat encephalitis in Uttar Pradesh

Thirty-six&nbsp;children reportedly died on August 27 and 28&nbsp;in Gorakhpur&#39;s Baba Raghav Das (BRD) Medical College, barely a fortnight after over 70&nbsp;infants died in a week in the same hospital.

A report in DNA said that of the 36 deaths reported, seven children died of encephalitis, 15 lost their life&nbsp;in the Neo-Natal Ward (NICU) and 14 children died of various medical ailments.

The report cited a senior doctor at the hospital who sought&nbsp;anonymity.

A total of 290 children&nbsp;have died at the BRD Medical College between&nbsp;August 1 and&nbsp;August 28, the DNA report added.

About 1,250 children&nbsp;have so far died since January this year, which includes 175 deaths from encephalitis, hospital sources told DNA.&nbsp; 
 
The infant deaths in July&nbsp;allegedly took place&nbsp;because of a&nbsp;lack of liquid oxygen in the hospital, invoking widespread criticism of the chief minister&nbsp;Yogi Adityanath government.

Earlier Tuesday, the&nbsp;suspended principal of the medical college,&nbsp;Rajiv Mishra, and his wife Purnima were arrested from Kanpur in connection with the deaths in July.&nbsp;They were taken to Gorakhpur by the Special Task Force (STF) of Uttar Pradesh police.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had ordered for a strict action against the hospital staff and Pushpa Sales Pvt&nbsp;Ltd,&nbsp;the firm that had allegedly cut off oxygen supply over non-payment of dues

A police complaint&nbsp;was earlier lodged against the suspended principal,&nbsp;six other hospital personnel, and two officials of the oxygen-supplying agency Pushpa Sales Private Limited, Manish Bhandari and Uday Pratap Sharma, for&nbsp;criminal negligence.

Pushpa Sales is accused of breaching its responsibility for supplying oxygen despite being made aware of depleting stocks by the medical college staff,&nbsp;which invokes the section of criminal negligence.

The FIR&nbsp;(First Information Report)&nbsp;also states&nbsp;that the government hospital had received a total fund of Rs&nbsp;454 lakh&nbsp;for the financial year 2017-18, of which Rs. 63.65 lakh was supposed to be given to Pushpa Sales in April.

Therefore, the BRD hospital personnel have been charged for &quot;deliberately not submitting the payment despite repeated written request by the supplier to the principal&quot; in want of bribe.

The FIR also accused the principal Misra of staying absent from office on August 10 when media reported the deaths, thus indicating a &quot;criminal conspiracy&quot; on his part.

It also accused Misra and his wife of corruption, supported by statements given by the&nbsp;hospital staff that she had obtained illegal amounts of money and had a significant role in her husband&#39;s corrupt activities.

Others have been accused of neglecting their&nbsp;duties in anticipation of bribe, that resulted in deaths.

Dr&nbsp;KK&nbsp;Gupta, Director General, Medical Education registered the FIR under the orders of Uttar Pradesh government at the Hazratganj Police Station, Lucknow on August 23.

 
&nbsp;

A report in DNA said that of the 36 deaths reported, seven children died of encephalitis, 15 lost their life?in the Neo-Natal Ward (NICU) and 14 children died of different medical reasons.

Thirty-six children reportedly died on August 27 and 28 in Gorakhpur's Baba Raghav Das (BRD) Medical College, barely a fortnight after over 70 infants died in a week in the same hospital. A report in DNA said that of the 36 deaths reported, seven children died of encephalitis, 15 lost their life in the Neo-Natal Ward (NICU) and 14 children died of various medical ailments. The report cited a senior doctor at the hospital who sought anonymity. A total of 290 children have died at the BRD Medical College between August 1 and August 28, the DNA report added. About 1,250 children have so far died since January this year, which includes 175 deaths from encephalitis, hospital sources told DNA. The infant deaths in July allegedly took place because of a lack of liquid oxygen in the hospital, invoking widespread criticism of the chief minister Yogi Adityanath government. Earlier Tuesday, the suspended principal of the medical college, Rajiv Mishra, and his wife Purnima were arrested from Kanpur in connection with the deaths in July. They were taken to Gorakhpur by the Special Task Force (STF) of Uttar Pradesh police. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had ordered for a strict action against the hospital staff and Pushpa Sales Pvt Ltd, the firm that had allegedly cut off oxygen supply over non-payment of dues A police complaint was earlier lodged against the suspended principal, six other hospital personnel, and two officials of the oxygen-supplying agency Pushpa Sales Private Limited, Manish Bhandari and Uday Pratap Sharma, for criminal negligence. Pushpa Sales is accused of breaching its responsibility for supplying oxygen despite being made aware of depleting stocks by the medical college staff, which invokes the section of criminal negligence. The FIR (First Information Report) also states that the government hospital had received a total fund of Rs 454 lakh for the financial year 2017-18, of which Rs. 63.65 lakh was supposed to be given to Pushpa Sales in April. Therefore, the BRD hospital personnel have been charged for "deliberately not submitting the payment despite repeated written request by the supplier to the principal" in want of bribe. The FIR also accused the principal Misra of staying absent from office on August 10 when media reported the deaths, thus indicating a "criminal conspiracy" on his part. It also accused Misra and his wife of corruption, supported by statements given by the hospital staff that she had obtained illegal amounts of money and had a significant role in her husband's corrupt activities. Others have been accused of neglecting their duties in anticipation of bribe, that resulted in deaths. Dr KK Gupta, Director General, Medical Education registered the FIR under the orders of Uttar Pradesh government at the Hazratganj Police Station, Lucknow on August 23.

36 children die in 48 hours at Gorakhpur hospital, 290 deaths in August: Report

Inside the decrepit children&#39;s ward at an Indian hospital where 85 infants died last week, Ram Prasad prayed his two-year-old daughter would escape the same fate as he scanned the overcrowded hallways for a doctor.

His plight in &#39;Ward 100&#39;, where the death of so many children has sparked outrage, is emblematic of a healthcare crisis where doctors are stretched to breaking point and hospitals run out of oxygen due to unpaid bills.

Authorities have launched an inquiry into the causes of the oxygen disruption at the now-notorious Baba Raghav Das Medical College in Gorakhpur, which Indian media has linked to the deaths of 30 infants last Thursday and&nbsp;Friday.

Local officials have blamed an outbreak of encephalitis for the deaths and denied a lack of oxygen was responsible.

But doctors and medical experts point to woeful underfunding in public health in eastern Uttar Pradesh, one of India&#39;s poorest regions, where just a handful of specialists are available to treat millions.

&quot;This (deaths) won&#39;t change soon, as it isn&#39;t a simple oxygen issue. The rot is deep and the system needs to be overhauled,&quot; a senior hospital official told AFP in Gorakhpur, speaking on condition of anonymity.

India was spending just 1.4 per cent of its GDP on public health in 2014 which is far below the global average of six per cent.

In Gorakhpur, there are just 529 primary health care clinics, less than half the number needed to cater for nearly 4.5 million people living in the district, July data from Brookings India shows.

There are just five paediatricians and 22 encephalitis treatment centres, despite the mosquito-borne illness wreaking havoc in low-lying areas of the state every year during the monsoon.

India&#39;s most populous states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are ravaged by encephalitis every year.

The disease, which affects mainly malnourished children, causes brain inflammation and can result in headaches, seizures, fever and even brain damage.

Professor K.P Kushwaha, who headed Baba Raghav Das Medical College until mid-2015, said the hospital could not cope with the volume of patients.

&quot;The government now needs to make at least five such hospitals across the region to tackle this load and get better results,&quot; he told AFP.

&nbsp;Life and death&nbsp;

Prasad, a poor farmer from Uttar Pradesh, travelled roughly 65 kilometres (40 miles) with his wife and two-year-old daughter after the infant suddenly ran a high fever.

He arrived at Baba Raghav Das Medical College just hours after hospital authorities declared that another 25 infants had died over the weekend.

Prasad&#39;s daughter was found a bed in the overcrowded ward, where many parents were forced to squat on the floor in nearby corridors. It was worse in the neo-natal unit, where three to four infants crowded a single bed.

&quot;We take turns to go out in the corridor and hall to rest, while the other one stands here,&quot; Prasad told AFP,&nbsp;gesturing to his wife and ill daughter.

&quot;She probably has pneumonia, I don&#39;t know, the doctors haven&#39;t told me anything.&quot;

Just days earlier, panicked parents used manual pumps to help their stricken children as the supply of oxygen fizzled out.

Professor K.P Kushwaha&#39;s successor was stood down over the oxygen debacle, which allegedly stemmed from nearly $100,000 in overdue bills, some dating back to November.

His replacement, P.K Singh, promised conditions at the hospital would improve &quot;whatever the shortcomings&quot;.

&quot;I understand that the hygiene situation here is very bad and there is a risk of infection,&quot; Singh told AFP.

But the district&#39;s chief medical officer Ravindra Kumar told AFP nothing could change as long as encephalitis plagued the poor eastern region.

&quot;So far we have only been shooting in the dark without much idea about its causes, prevention or the cure,&quot; he told AFP.

A lack of primary health centres meant illnesses were not detected early and by the time patients arrived at hospitals it was too late, said a local government official, gesturing to beds full of sickly children.

&quot;If people like them get the right advice and prompt referral, it can make the difference between life and death,&quot; he told AFP on condition of anonymity.

Local officials have blamed an outbreak of encephalitis for the deaths and denied a lack of oxygen was responsible

Inside the decrepit children's ward at an Indian hospital where 85 infants died last week, Ram Prasad prayed his two-year-old daughter would escape the same fate as he scanned the overcrowded hallways for a doctor. His plight in 'Ward 100', where the death of so many children has sparked outrage, is emblematic of a healthcare crisis where doctors are stretched to breaking point and hospitals run out of oxygen due to unpaid bills. Authorities have launched an inquiry into the causes of the oxygen disruption at the now-notorious Baba Raghav Das Medical College in Gorakhpur, which Indian media has linked to the deaths of 30 infants last Thursday and Friday. Local officials have blamed an outbreak of encephalitis for the deaths and denied a lack of oxygen was responsible. But doctors and medical experts point to woeful underfunding in public health in eastern Uttar Pradesh, one of India's poorest regions, where just a handful of specialists are available to treat millions. "This (deaths) won't change soon, as it isn't a simple oxygen issue. The rot is deep and the system needs to be overhauled," a senior hospital official told AFP in Gorakhpur, speaking on condition of anonymity. India was spending just 1.4 per cent of its GDP on public health in 2014 which is far below the global average of six per cent. In Gorakhpur, there are just 529 primary health care clinics, less than half the number needed to cater for nearly 4.5 million people living in the district, July data from Brookings India shows. There are just five paediatricians and 22 encephalitis treatment centres, despite the mosquito-borne illness wreaking havoc in low-lying areas of the state every year during the monsoon. India's most populous states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are ravaged by encephalitis every year. The disease, which affects mainly malnourished children, causes brain inflammation and can result in headaches, seizures, fever and even brain damage. Professor K.P Kushwaha, who headed Baba Raghav Das Medical College until mid-2015, said the hospital could not cope with the volume of patients. "The government now needs to make at least five such hospitals across the region to tackle this load and get better results," he told AFP. Life and death Prasad, a poor farmer from Uttar Pradesh, travelled roughly 65 kilometres (40 miles) with his wife and two-year-old daughter after the infant suddenly ran a high fever. He arrived at Baba Raghav Das Medical College just hours after hospital authorities declared that another 25 infants had died over the weekend. Prasad's daughter was found a bed in the overcrowded ward, where many parents were forced to squat on the floor in nearby corridors. It was worse in the neo-natal unit, where three to four infants crowded a single bed. "We take turns to go out in the corridor and hall to rest, while the other one stands here," Prasad told AFP, gesturing to his wife and ill daughter. "She probably has pneumonia, I don't know, the doctors haven't told me anything." Just days earlier, panicked parents used manual pumps to help their stricken children as the supply of oxygen fizzled out. Professor K.P Kushwaha's successor was stood down over the oxygen debacle, which allegedly stemmed from nearly $100,000 in overdue bills, some dating back to November. His replacement, P.K Singh, promised conditions at the hospital would improve "whatever the shortcomings". "I understand that the hygiene situation here is very bad and there is a risk of infection," Singh told AFP. But the district's chief medical officer Ravindra Kumar told AFP nothing could change as long as encephalitis plagued the poor eastern region. "So far we have only been shooting in the dark without much idea about its causes, prevention or the cure," he told AFP. A lack of primary health centres meant illnesses were not detected early and by the time patients arrived at hospitals it was too late, said a local government official, gesturing to beds full of sickly children. "If people like them get the right advice and prompt referral, it can make the difference between life and death," he told AFP on condition of anonymity.

'Rot is deep' at Indian hospital where 85 children died

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