AES Outbreak: Probe Ordered Against Union, State Health Ministers
Over 150 deaths have been reported across Bihar due to suspected Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES).
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Muzaffarpur Chief Judicial Magistrate Suryakant Tiwari on Monday, 24 June, ordered an investigation against Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan and Bihar Health Minister Mangal Pandey, in a case of alleged negligence during the encephalitis outbreak in Bihar that killed over 100 children.
Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court issued a notice to the Centre and state governments of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, asking them to file affidavits within seven days giving details of the steps taken to curb the encephalitis outbreak.
An FIR was lodged against 39 people in Harivanshpur and Muzaffarpur after they protested over lack of water supply and the death of several children due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) in the area, ANI reported.
- The Bihar Health Department on Sunday, 23 June, put the total number of AES casualties across 20 districts at 152
- On Saturday, 22 June, human skeletons were found in the premises of Muzaffarpur’s Sri Krishna Medical College & Hospital (SKMCH)
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Muzaffarpur Encephalitis Deaths: Bihar CM Nitish Kumar Met With Protests in Muzaffarpur
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday, 18 June visited the Krishna Medial College and Hospital to take stock of the deaths due to suspected brain fever. Kumar however, was met with protests outside the Muzaffarpur hospital, where the crowd also raised slogans against him.
Hordes of people gathered outside the hospital and started shouting slogans like "Nitish Kumar go back", angry over the chief minister choosing to visit the city only after the number of casualties had crossed the three-digit mark.
Union minister Harsh Vardhan had, on Monday 17 June, issued directions for immediately sending another high-level team to Muzaffarpur to set up a state-of-the-art multi-disciplinary research centre in the wake of the deaths.
Bihar Encephalitis Deaths: Nitish Kumar Orders Release of Daily Bulletin at 3 pm
SK Shahi, Medical Superintendent, SKMCH, Muzaffarpur addressed the media, saying that Kumar was satisfied with the medical treatment available at the moment.
“The CM met the patients and their relatives. He was satisfied with present medical treatment being provided and ordered us to release a bulletin daily at 3 pm. He was pained by the fact that adequate facilities for treatment were not available here,” Shahi said.
200 Children Treated and Discharged: Bihar Min Suresh Sharma
According to Bihar minister Suresh Sharma, while over 125 children have died, around 200 children have been treated and discharged from hospitals.
Union Health Minister on Encephalitis Deaths
Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said on Tuesday that they were delivering the best treatment they can.
“We have promised every possible help to the state govt. We are monitoring the situation hourly,” Vardhan said.
Deaths Unfortunate, Will Stop Once Rains Start: JDU MP Dinesh Chandra Yadav
JDU MP Dinesh Chandra Yadav called the deaths “unfortunate” and said that it would stop once the rains started.
“The Muzaffarpur incident is unfortunate. For many years, whenever summer season arrives, children get sick and number of deaths becomes big. It happens, government also makes arrangements. Once the rains start, it will stop,” Yadav said.
Bihar Encephalitis Deaths: Union Health Dept on Symptoms
A team of Union health department officials visited Muzaffarpur over the weekend and clarified that AES was an umbrella of symptoms, unlike Japanese Encephalitis which was a viral infection.
The symptoms include high fever, convulsions and extremely low level of sugar in the blood. Among the factors said to trigger the syndrome is malnutrition.
Moreover, the litchi grown in Muzaffarpur is said to contain a toxin which can cause a drop in blood sugar levels if consumed by a malnourished child.
Most Patients Coming in Very Poor, Lifestyle Needs to Be Improved: Ajay Nishad
Muzaffarpur MP Ajay Nishad has said that there is a need to concentrate on some factors which the disease may be arising out of.
“It is to be seen how the number of deaths be brought down to zero. I believe that we should concentrate and work on 4G - Gaon, Garmi, Gareebi, Gandgi (village, heat, poverty, uncleanliness). This disease (AES) is somewhere connected to these factors,” he said.
He also said that many of the patients were from backward classes and poor economic backgrounds and that their lifestyle needed to be improved.
“Patients coming in are very poor, most of them are from SC category and other backward classes. Their lifestyle belongs to a very low category. That needs to be raised. Parents take time to understand when their children fall sick, they need to be made aware,” Nishad added.
Teams to Assess Conditions in Homes of Encephalitis Patients: Bihar Chief Secretary
Addressing a press conference, Bihar’s Chief Secretary Deepak Kumar said that teams would be sent to all houses having encephalitis patients to find out their socio-economic, hygiene and environment conditions. The team will assess their condition, poverty, sanitation and see if there was an environmental factor behind it.
He also said that CM Nitish Kumar had given some directions.
“He said that the main reason of deaths is that patients reach hospitals late. It's been reiterated that patients won't have to bear any expense in coming to hospitals. Their fare will be reimbursed, they'll be given Rs 400 at flat rate,” Kumar said.
Doctors to Be Sent to Muzaffarpur From Outside: Deepak Kumar
Deepak Kumar said that Nitish Kumar had given directions to ensure that there is no dearth of doctors and all of them are carrying out their duties.
“In order to supplement them, some doctors will be brought from outside. Some doctors from DMCH and PMCH are being sent there today,” Kumar said.
Children Shouldn't Sleep on Empty Stomach: Bihar Chief Secretary
The Chief Secretary said at the press briefing that measures were being taken to increase awareness about the disease.
“Awareness is being created that children shouldn't sleep on an empty stomach and be immediately brought to hospital if they fall sick. We've given directions that all ASHA workers, ANMs, Anganwadi workers distribute ORS in all households and tell them its importance,” Deepak Kumar said.
Hospital to See Increase in Beds, Dharamshala for Families: Deepak Kumar
Deepak Kumar announced that a decision had been taken to convert SKMCH into a 2500-bed hospital, where it currently has 610 beds. He added that in the next year, this number would be increased to 1500 beds and later, to 2500.
A 100-bed ICU will also be made there, while a 'dharamshala' will be built there for relatives and families to stay.
Bihar CM Nitish Kumar Issues Directions After Visiting Muzaffarpur
After visiting Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH) in Muzaffarpur, where at least 89 children have died of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome, Bihar CM Nitish Kumar said an environmental study should be conducted of the affected areas.
He also gave directions to convert the hospital into a 2,500-bed one, with 1,500 beds to be arranged immediately in the first phase. Directions to build a 'dharamshala' there for relatives and families were also given.
Activists Protest Outside Bihar Bhawan, Seek Nitish Kumar's Resignation
Several activists from different organisations staged a protest outside the Bihar Bhawan in Delhi on Tuesday and demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar as more than 100 children have died due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome in the state.
They accused the Centre and the Bihar government of not being serious about containing the outbreak, and said the healthcare system in the state was mismanaged.
'No Work, All Talk': Congress Slams Health Minister Harsh Vardhan Over Death of Children
The Congress hit out at Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Tuesday over the Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) outbreak in Bihar, saying there is "no work, all talk".
"In 2014, 139 children were killed in Muzaffarpur. In 2019, 104 children killed in Muzaffarpur. Same minister, Shri Harsh Vardhan, same reasons, same promises, no work, all talk," Congress's chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said in a tweet in Hindi.
PIL Filed Against Nitish Kumar
A PIL has been filed against Bihar CM Nitish Kumar over the death of 109 children. Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan, Bihar Health Minister Mangal Pandey and MoS Health & Family Welfare Ashwini Choubey have also been named in the PIL, reported news agency ANI. The case will be heard on 26 June.
Plea Filed in SC to Constitute Experts' Team
A plea was filed in the Supreme Court on Tuesday seeking direction to the Centre to urgently constitute a team of medical experts for treatment of children, reported news agency PTI.
The plea also sought direction to the Centre for providing all necessary medical equipment and other supports for effective treatment of children suffering from the epidemic disease.
Health Ministry to Set up Permanent Multi-Disciplinary Group
Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Tuesday decided to constitute a permanent multi-disciplinary group of experts at the Centre to monitor and formulate measures to be taken up in the event of outbreak such as that of encephalitis in Bihar, reported news agency PTI.
The central group will comprise experts from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), World Health Organisation (WHO), Ministry of Science and Technology and Ministry of Women and Child Development along with experts of meteorology, nutrition and agricultural science.
Extra Doctors Deployed at SKMCH
12 extra doctors have been deputed at SKMCH from different districts after outbreak of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome in Muzaffarpur. Four of them are from Darbhanga Medical College and Hospital, four from Nalanda Medical College and Hospital and four from Patna Medical College and Hospital.
Odisha Govt Orders Testing of Samples of Litchi for Toxicity
The Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Odisha has said that in view of the spread of encephalitis, the Food Safety Commissioner has been directed to collect and test samples of litchi to ascertain their toxic contents.
Death Toll in Muzaffarpur at 112
The death toll of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome in Muzaffarpur rose to 112 on Wednesday, 19 June.
At least 93 children have died at SKMCH, while 19 have been reported dead at Kejriwal Hospital in the district.
Parents at SKMCH Allege No Information About ORS, Say Doctors Aren't Admitting Children
People who have taken their children to SKMCH in Muzaffarpur allege that they're not being admitted. They also alleged that no ORS was ever given to them.
“No one has told us anything about ORS, or gave us any of it. We don't know the symptoms of AES. Our children are burning with fever since 4-5 days. Doctor asked us to get medicines and said they'll admit them if fever doesn't go down after that. We don't have money,” a parent told ANI.
Other parents also said that doctors had not told them anything about the disease, neither did they have any information about ORS. They added that they had not gotten any ORS or medicines.
SC to Hear PIL for Creation of Encephalitis Expert Team on 24 June
The Supreme Court has agreed to hear on Monday, 24 June a PIL seeking direction to urgently constitute a team of medical experts for treatment of children suffering from AES in Muzaffarpur district of Bihar.
A vacation bench of justices Deepak Gupta and Surya Kant agreed to hear the plea on 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.
The petition filed by advocate Manohar Pratap claimed that he was deeply pained and saddened by the deaths of more than 126 children, mostly in the age group of one to 10 years, in the past week and the figures were rising day by day.
SKMCH Medical Superintendent Condoles Deaths of 93 Children
Sunil Kumar Shahi, Superintendent at SKMCH, Muzaffarpur condoled the deaths of 93 children due to AES.
“Till now, 372 children have been admitted here, of which 118 have been discharged. 57 will be discharged soon. It is unfortunate that we have lost 93 lives due to AES,” Shahi said.
Members of Activist Group Protesting Outside Bihar Bhavan Detained by Delhi Police
Some members of activist group Krantikari Yuva Sangathan (KYS) who were staging a protesting outside Delhi’s Bihar Bhawan, asking for the resignation of Bihar’s Health Minister, have been detained by the Delhi Police and taken to the Mandir Marg police station.
Families, Patients at SKMCH Complain of Frequent Power Cuts
Patients and their families at SKMCH in Muzaffarpur are complaining of frequent power cuts and claim that there are no alternate arrangements.
"There are frequent power cuts here. There is no alternate arrangement, we are using handheld fans. Children are crying due to heat,” a family member told ANI.
Children Not Placed on Floor but Multiple on Same Bed: SKMCH Medical Superintendent
Sunil Kumar Shahi, Medical Superintendent of SKMCH, on Wednesday requested all political workers to go to the places from where patients are coming and spread awareness, instead of staying at the hospital.
He also denied that any child had been placed on the floor, saying, “Not a single child has been put on the floor in PICU. Two to three children have been put on one bed. There are 40 beds in the recovery ward and the number of children is more than that. Out of the 57 children there, 40 will be discharged today. Then, the situation will improve.”
Nitish Kumar Should Resign: RJD Leader Raghuvansh Prasad
RJD leader Raghuvansh Prasad Singh on Wednesday said that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar should resign from his post on moral grounds over the death of over 125 children in Muzaffarpur due to encephalitis.
"The one who has the steering wheel in his hands, shouldn't he run the vehicle properly? The steering wheel is in the chief minister's hands. Then, who else will be held responsible for this? He (Nitish Kumar) should himself resign on the basis of morality. For many years now, they couldn't find a cure to this disease or maintain the hospitals. Also, they didn't fulfill whatever they promised," Singh told ANI in Muzaffarpur.
Asked about RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, Singh said, "I don't know exactly where he is. Maybe he has gone to watch the World Cup. I am not sure about it."
Five Central Teams of Pediatricians Rushed to Muzaffarpur
Five central teams of pediatricians have been rushed to Bihar’s Muzaffarpur on Wednesday, All India Radio News reported.
'Recovery Rate is Increasing': SKMCH Superintendent
Speaking on the Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) cases on Wednesday, 19 June, Sunil Kumar Shahi, Superintendent at SKMCH, said, "68 children are in ICU, 65 are in the ward. Today, the number of deaths is five. The recovery rate is increasing because the parents are bringing their children early."
AES Toll Climbs to 113 in Bihar
Fresh deaths due to AES have been reported in Muzaffarpur, taking the total number of casualties to 113.
The deaths took place at the Shri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH), where 20 fresh cases were brought since Tuesday night. The number of children admitted to the hospital with AES are 372 since 1 June, the district administration said.
The SKMCH has reported 93 casualties so far and only 118 children have been discharged after treatment. The rest are undergoing treatment or referred to hospitals in the Patna in a critical condition, it said.
In the Kejriwal hospital, two fresh cases of the AES were reported since Tuesday night, taking the total number to 146 since 1 June. The hospital has so far reported 19 casualties, though none of these took place in the past 24 hours.
One death was also reported from the neighbouring East Champaran district on Tuesday.
Delhi Govt Offers to Help Bihar Tackle Encephalitis
The Delhi government on Wednesday, 19 June, offered all possible assistance to Bihar to deal with the increasing cases of children dying due to acute encephalitis syndrome (AES).
Talking to reporters in Delhi, deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, flanked by Health Minister Satyendar Jain, said the AAP government was ready to send a team of doctors, paramedics, medicines and ambulances to Bihar.
"I offer all possible assistance to the Bihar government in this crisis. We are ready to provide help such as sending teams of our doctors, para-medical staff, medicines and ambulances, to the state government," news agency PTI quoted Sisodia as saying.
Bihar Children Deaths a National Horror Story; Centre, State Govt Responsible: Congress
The Congress on Wednesday, 19 June, described the deaths of children in Bihar due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome as a "national horror story" and demanded accountability from the Centre and the state government.
Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, party spokesperson Gaurav Gogoi accused the two governments of being "insensitive" and unprepared for tackling such an outbreak.
"It is a national tragedy, it is a national horror story and the perpetrators of this horror story are the Centre and the state government," news agency PTI quoted Gogoi as saying.
"We demand accountability from both the State and the Centre," he reportedly said, while attacking Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan and his predecessor JP Nadda.
The Congress leader also demanded coordination between the Centre and the state governments to deal with the situation.
Death Toll Due to AES Climbs to 117 in Bihar's Muzaffarpur
Death toll due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) rises to 117 in Muzaffarpur. At least 98 deaths have been reported at SKMCH, while 19 deaths have been reported at Kejriwal hospital, reports ANI.
Prisoner Ward of SMKCH Turned into ICU
Prisoners ward of SMKCH in Muzaffarpur where prisoners were lodged is being converted into an ICU.
"We've converted the ward into an ICU and shifted the prisoners ward. It will increase our capacity by 19 beds. It will be made functional shortly," manager of SMKCH told ANI
BJP Rajya Sabha Urges PM Modi to Visit Muzzafarpur
BJP Rajya Sabha MP CP Thakur in a letter urged PM Narendra Modi to visit Muzzafarpur in the wake of deaths of children due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome.
Thakur in the letter also urged PM to set a biochemical lab to “soothe public ire.”
'Experts Sent to Muzaffarpur for Making the Virology Lab Operational': Health Minister
In the wake of Encephalitis outbreak, Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan said experts' team from Indian Council of Medical Research has been sent to hospital in Muzaffarpur for making the virology lab operational at the earliest.
"E-Multi-disciplinary team sent earlier is reviewing cases," he told ANI.
Muzaffarpur District Death Toll Rises to 121
Death toll due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) rises to 121 in Muzaffarpur. 101 deaths hace occured at SKMCH and 20 deaths at Kejriwal hospital.
Bihar Health Minister Prem Kumar Orders Probe Into Whether Litchi Is Causing Deaths
In view of the rising Encephalitis death toll in Bihar, state Health Minister Prem Kumar ordered a probe to investigate if consumption of the litchi fruit is leading to the deaths.
(Source: IANS)
All Bihar BJP MPs to Donate Rs 25 Lakh to Build PCIUs in Local Hospitals, Says MoS Nityanand Rai
Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai announced that all 17 BJP MPs of Bihar will donate Rs 25 Lakh for their respective constituencies to build Pediatric Intensive Care Units (PICUs) in Sadar hospitals there.
He has sanctioned Rs 25 lakh to build a PICU in Samastipur’s Sadar hospital.
(Source: ANI)
'Is It Actually Litchis or Something Else? Don't Kill This Industry': BJP MP Rajiv Pratap Rudy
Rajiv Pratap Rudy, BJP MP from Saran said, “Today more than 30 hectares of litchis is produced in Bihar. All exports have been stopped. My concern is, is it actually litchis or something else? Litchis is a cash crop. Don't kill this industry, let's be more pragmatic and find the reason behind the children's death.”
(Source: ANI)
Muzaffarpur Death Toll Rises to 124
Death toll due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) rose to 124 in Muzaffarpur. 104 deaths at SKMCH & 20 deaths at Kejriwal hospital.
(Source: ANI)
Chhattisgarh: Only One of The Three Children Admitted Had Japanese Encephalitis, Not AES
According to the Chhattisgarh government out of the 3 children admitted at Jagdalpur's Dimrapal Medical College, only one was found Japanese Encephalitis positive and died on 20 June. One other child has already been discharged while the third can be discharged today. It's a case of Japanese Encephalitis and not AES.
(Source: ANI)
Death Toll Climbs to 126 in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur
Death toll due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) rises to 126 in Muzaffarpur. 106 deaths at SKMCH & 20 deaths at Kejriwal hospital.
(Source: ANI)
Three More Die of Encephalitis in Muzaffarpur, Toll Reaches 139
Three more children with symptoms of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) died at a hospital in Bihar's Muzaffarpur district on Friday, 21 June, taking the toll to 139.
The Bihar health department had on Thursday released state-wide figures putting the total toll following the outbreak, which has spread across 16 districts, at 136.
With the latest three casualties the death toll rose to 139 though unconfirmed reports claim that the number has crossed 150, said PTI.
SKMCH Team to Probe Human Skeletons Found in Hospital Premises
After human skeletons were found in the premises of Muzaffarpur’s Sri Krishna Medical College & Hospital, an investigation team from the hospital reached the spot. SKMCH's Dr Vipin Kumar, says, "Skeletal remains have been found. Detailed information will be provided by the Principal."
Bihar Health Department Orders Probe into the Skeletal Remains Found at SKMCH
An investigating team arrives at the site where human skeletal remains were found behind the Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital. “After investigation it has been revealed that unclaimed dead bodies are burnt here,” Sona Prasad Singh, SHO Ahiyapur, Muzaffarpur told ANI.
The Bihar Health Department has given an order for investigation of the matter where human skeletal remains were found.
Death Toll in Muzaffarpur Rises to 129
The death toll due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) on Sunday rose to 129 in Muzaffarpur, with 109 deaths reported at SKMCH and 20 deaths at Kejriwal hospital in the district.
Senior Resident Doctor of SKMCH Suspended
The Senior Resident Doctor of SKMCH, Dr Bhimsen Kumar, has been suspended for negligence of duty, reports said on Sunday. The Health Department had deployed the Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) pediatrician at SKMCH on 19 June.
Probe Will Reveal Truth Behind Skeletons at SKMCH, Media Projecting it Differently: Bihar Minister
Bihar Minister Ashok Chaudhary on Sunday said that the skeletons found behind SKMCH could be that of unclaimed bodies that had not been disposed off as required by the government.
“Sometimes bodies have no claimants so Govt gives Rs 2,000 (to post mortem department) to burn the bodies, which they don't do many times. The probe will reveal the truth behind this, the media is projecting it differently,” he said.
Central, State Teams Finalise Site, Design of 100 Bed PICU at Muzaffarpur
“The central and state teams have finalized the site and design of 100 bedded PICU at Muzaffarpur, which will be supported under a centrally sponsored scheme,” Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare stated after reviewing the status of AES cases of Bihar with senior officers of the health Ministry on Saturday.
The Union Health Minister is reviewing the AES cases on a daily basis with the Health Ministry officials.
RJD Student Wings Protests Against Government in Bihar
The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) student wing marched to Raj Bhavan, Patna on Sunday, in protest against the state government over the health situation in Bihar.
Protesters demanded the resignation of state Health Minister Mangal Pandey, formation of committee to investigate the situation due to AES and compensation for affected families.
MJP MP Visits Harivanshpur Village, Distributes Money, Medicines
Lok Janshakti Party MP from Hajipur, Pashupati Kr Paras, visited Harivanshpur village on Sunday and distributed medicines and Rs 5000 each among the families who lost their children to AES.
On Saturday, villagers had put up missing person posters for Union Minister RV Paswan, Paras’ brother.
Roof Outside ICU of SKMCH Collapses
A part of roof outside the ICU of Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH) has collapsed. However, no injuries have been reported.
Speaking to ANI, Superintendent of SKMCH, Sunil Kumar Shahi said that a patch of plaster fell from the roof and no one has been injured. He also added that the the mishap didn’t happen inside any ward but outside in the veranda area.
Death Toll in Bihar Rises to 130
Death toll due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) rises to 130 in Muzaffarpur. Of the 130 deaths, 110 died at SKMCH and 20 died at Kejriwal Hospital, according to ANI.
Kushwaha Holds Nitish Responsible for Children's Deaths; Demands His Resignation
Former Union Minister and RLSP chief Upendra Kushwaha held Chief Minister Nitish Kumar responsible for the children’s deaths in Muzaffarpur district and demanded his resignation.
“Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is responsible for children's deaths in large number in Muzaffarpur district...Despite so many deaths of children, the state government has not taken any concrete action to prevent it. The entire health services have been left at God’s mercy,” Kushwaha said while talking to reporters here at his party office.
Nearly 130 children have lost their lives due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) outbreak in the state since 1 June, of which 127 died in Muzaffarpur district alone, state health department sources said.
“Mr Chief Minister, mere assurance (to improve things) will not serve the purpose. Either you act or resign from the post of CM, failing which the RLSP would hit the roads to expose him (Nitish) for his failures,” Kushwaha said.
Ban on Practice of Disposing off Unclaimed Bodies at SKMCH, Says Muzaffarpur SSP
"A ban has been put on the practice of disposing off the unclaimed bodies at Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH). After investigation, action will be taken against those found guilty," news agency ANI quotes Muzaffarpur SSP Manoj Kumar as saying.
RJD MP Manoj Jha Moves Motion in Rajya Sabha over Muzaffarpur Deaths
Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Manoj Jha has moved a Calling Attention motion in Rajya Sabha over deaths of children in Muzaffarpur, reports ANI.
SC Issues Notice to Centre, Bihar Govt over Muzaffarpur Deaths
The Supreme Court on Monday, 24 June, sought a response within seven days from the Centre and Bihar government on the issue of the deaths of more than 150 children in Muzaffarpur due to the outbreak of acute encephalitis syndrome (AES).
A bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and BR Gavai directed the Bihar government to file an affidavit on the adequacy of medical facilities, nutrition and sanitation and the hygiene conditions in the state.
During the hearing, one of the lawyers informed the court that similar deaths had occurred earlier in Uttar Pradesh.
The court took note of it and directed the state government to file its response as well.
The matter has been posted for hearing after 10 days.
Probe Ordered Against Harsh Vardhan, Bihar Health Minister Over Encephalitis Deaths
Muzaffarpur Chief Judicial Magistrate Suryakant Tiwari has ordered investigation against Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan and Bihar Health Minister Mangal Pandey, in a case of negligence registered against them, in connection with deaths of children due to AES in Muzaffarpur.
Committee Formed to Investigate Mysterious Skulls Found Behind SKMCH
A three-member investigation committee headed by Deputy Development Commissioner (DDC) of Muzaffarpur Ujjwal Kumar has been constituted to investigate the case of human skeletal remains found behind SKMCH in Muzaffarpur.
The committee will file a report within three days.
Death Toll Rises to 131 in Muzaffarpur
The death toll due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) rises to 131 in Muzaffarpur with 111 deaths in SKMCH and 20 in Kejriwal Hospital.
FIR Against 39 for Protesting Muzaffarpur Deaths
An FIR was lodged against 39 people in Harivanshpur and Muzaffarpur after they protested over lack of water supply and the death of several children due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) in the area, ANI reported.