Encephalitis: Senior doctor sacked for negligence on duty in Muzaffarpur

A senior paediatrician of Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH) in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur, where over hundred children had died due Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES), has been suspended for negligence on duty.

Dr Bhim Sen Kumar, who was deputed to review the treatment process at the SKMCH, received the letter of suspension signed by additional secretary of health Vivekananda Thakur.

Also read: Brain fever claims 136 lives in Bihar, spreads across 16 districts

According to reports, 109 children admitted with AES died – highest among 129 death – at the SKMCH due to alleged lack of treatment.

According to the statistics released by the department, the total number of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) cases registered across the state since June 1 is 626, and the total number of deaths caused by the same has mounted to 136.

Muzaffarpur district has bore the maximum brunt, accounting for 117 deaths so far. Besides, deaths have been reported from districts like Bhagalpur, East Champaran, Vaishali, Sitamarhi and Samastipur.

Also read: Govt apathy is the epidemic that’s killing Bihar children

Experts have blamed the high incidence of hypoglycemia on a toxin found in unripe litchi fruit, which is believed to be consumed by malnourished children from underprivileged backgrounds.

There have been a few instances of Japanese Encephalitis and herpes, too, which are caused by viral infections, the health department said.

Meanwhile, with the onset of rains, no fresh AES case has been reported in Muzaffarpur district on Sunday.

Sri Krishna Medical College Hospital superintendent, Sunil Kumar Shahi said, “AES is known to strike when the summer heat is at its peak and the incidences plummet no sooner than rainfalls lash the area. The same is happening this time and no child has been admitted during the day so far with the complaint, even though AES patients, who have been nursed back to recovery, are being discharged continuously.”