Encephalitis: Death count in Muzaffarpur rises to 129, resident Doctor of SKMCH suspended

The death count in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) has rose to 129. 109 deaths have been reported from SKMCH and 20 deaths at Kejriwal hospital. The Senior Resident Doctor of Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH), Dr Bhimsen Kumar, has been suspended for negligence of duty, according to news agency ANI. The Health Department had deployed the Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) pediatrician at SKMCH on 19 June.

Reacting to the spike in the death toll, Sunil Kumar Shahi, Superintendent at Sri Krishna Medical College & Hospital, Muzaffarpur said that since last evening there has been one death. A total of 109 deaths occurred at the hospital, 225 patients have been discharged, 39 more will be discharged today.

On Saturday, Human skeleton remains were found strewn near a garbage dump close to the post-mortem section of the Sri Krishna Medical College Hospital (SKMCH). The SKMCH is in news for the death of more than 100 brain fever-afflicted children since June 1.

“Unclaimed bodies after post-mortem are cremated in due course. These skeletal remains are found at the spot where cremations are said to take place. But I agree this should be done in a more humane fashion,” Sunil Kumar Shahi, Superintendent of the SKMCH hospital said.

Also Read: Skeletons found behind SKMC Hospital in Muzaffarpur where 108 children died of encephalitis

The embarrassed hospital superintendent was replying to queries from a swarm of journalists who have been camping in the town to cover the epidemic-like situation that has arisen in the wake of the outbreak of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome, which has claimed close to 140 lives across the state, with this north Bihar district alone accounting for 127 deaths.

Bearing the brunt, the SKMCH, which is one of the largest government hospitals in the state, has witnessed the death of 107 AES-afflicted children since June 1.

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“The post-mortem section comes under the administrative control of the principal of the medical college attached to the hospital. I have asked him to set up a committee to look into the matter and take remedial measures,” Shahi added.

Meanwhile, as news channels beamed the horrific images, the district administration swung into action and Sub Divisional Magistrate (East) Kundan Kumar and Superintendent of Police (City) Neeraj Kumar rushed to the spot.

“We will not like to comment on this episode until we conduct a thorough inquiry”, the SP (City) said.

Locals say with disgust that improper disposal of dead bodies has been a long-standing problem in the area and stray dogs can be often seen pouncing upon half-burnt corpses.