BHUBANESWAR: The state government on Wednesday said it has started vaccination for
Japanese Encephalitis (JE) and Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) that claimed around 154 children in the state. Health minister P K Amat said the vaccination process would be carried out in four districts - Malkangiri, Mayurbhanj, Jajpur and Keonjhar.
Amat said the Centre has informed the state government to supply 1.13 crore long-lasting insecticide Net (LLIN), which would be initially distributed in Koraput, Nabarangapur, Malkangiri and
Rayagada districts from the current month.
So far, 112 children have died of AES while 42 children died due to JE, Amat said, adding, "JE positive cases were also reported from Malkangiri, Koraput, Mayurbhanj, Nayagarh, Puri, Sonepur and Sundargarh".
Stating that the state government has taken a number of steps to prevent JE and AES diseases, the health minister said 43 lakh children were included in the supplementary nutrition programme to provide quality food. It has also taken steps to revamp the healthcare infrastructure of the state, particularly rural areas.
Participating in the discussion, leader of opposition
Narasingha Mishra lashed out at the state government for draining money for Make in Odisha conclave while allocating a meagre amount to boost the health sector in Malkangiri.
He also came down heavily on the largescale vacancy of doctors in the state.