Bengal blames Centre for encephalitis deaths

The West Bengal Health Minister on Monday accused the Centre of “delaying” the process of dispatching vaccine for encephalitis which has caused 55 deaths in North Bengal since January.

“There could have been fewer deaths if the Central government dispatched encephalitis vaccines at the right time,” Chandrima Bhattacharya said after a meeting on the situation at the North Bengal Medical College and Hospital here.

She alleged that 55 persons died of encephalitis because of the “indifference” of the Central government.

Of these, 30 died in July only and 18 encephalitis patients were currently admitted in the NBMCH, an official of the hospital said.

A central team visited the NBMCH on July 29 to take stock of the situation arising out of encephalitis deaths.

‘Shortfall of vaccine’

Team leader Kuljit Singh Anand admitted that there was shortfall of encephalitis vaccines in the hospital and the team would urge the Centre to send adequate vaccines to the State.

Praising employees of the hospital for their work, Ms. Bhattacharya said there were complaints on cleanliness in the NBMCH for which action will be taken.

North Bengal Development Minister Gautam Deb, who was present at the meeting, had earlier said that the Centre had been informed through Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee about the paucity of vaccines in the State.