In Mewat, 35 die of malaria

Tribune news Service

Gurgaon, September 8

Malaria scare has gripped Mewat as more than 35 deaths have been reported in the district in one-and-a-half months. Punhana block is the worst hit.

As per the district Health Department, 449 cases of malaria have been reported so far. Of them, 262 are from Punhana. 

In villages, Hathan Gaon has 147 cases and Nehda 78. More than 14 persons have reportedly died of malaria in the worst-hit Hathan Gaon, Nehda Siroli and Gulalata villages. The Civil Surgeon’s office, however, confirmed seven deaths and that too not all because of malaria.

The panchayat records claim four persons die daily in Punhana block.

Residents claim as a majority of the patients are either being treated by private doctors or being kept at home, officials do not know the gravity of the situation.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ashok Sangwan, Civil Surgeon BK Rajaura and local MLA Rahish Khan visited the area today and insisted the number of deaths were exaggerated and not all died of malaria. They, however, admitted to malaria scare in Punhana.

Residents discounted officials’ claim, saying malaria was spreading like an epidemic but the administration had not taken any steps. They wrote to the DC, demanding health services.

“More than 14 people have died of malaria, but the authorities deny this as diagnosis was done in private labs. The government health centres here are a sham and we have no access to health facilities. A person dies in our village every two hours, but the health authorities are least bothered. They are blaming us for going to private doctors,” said a panchayat member of Hathan Gaon.

The DC, meanwhile, has appointed a special team of doctors in Punhana to monitor the situation and treat malaria patients.