JOIN USAs the death toll in cases related to encephalitis in north Bengal rose to 108, Mamata Banerjee today suspended 3 health department officials and announced an immediate drive to monitor unhygienic pig-farms responsible for breeding mosquitoes that cause the disease.
"Those on duty in north Bengal did not give information at the right time and had suppressed it. That is why we have suspended the CMOH (Chief Medical Office of Health Office) of Siliguri and Jalpaiguri. We will appoint new persons in their place," Banerjee told reporters here at the state secretariat.
An official of the North Bengal Medical College (NBMC) in Darjeeling district was also suspended on similar grounds, she said.
West Bengal Health Services director Biswaranjan Satpathy, who is camping in the affected areas, told PTI that two more deaths were reported in the last 24 hours.The encephalitis toll since January now stands at 108.
Satpathy said both the number of deaths and detection of more cases is coming down now.
The chief minister, who also holds health portfolio said, "We cannot allow pig farms in unhygienic conditions which are spreading the disease. The Kolkata Municipal Corporation and other municipalities have been instructed to start an immediate drive against them."
The government is also considering for providing rehabilitation and alternative livelihood for people working in those unhygienic pig-farms.
"It will take time. People sleep near pig-farms. This cannot be allowed as the health of crores of people is important for us. The government has taken a lot of measures to stop the spread of encephalitis," Banerjee said.
The state government is monitoring the situation on a regular basis and there is no cause for panic as it is now under control, she said.
"It is gradually decreasing by the day. It is now under control. The director of medical education has been asked to remain in NBMC for the next 24 hours. Minister of state for health Chandrima Bhattacharya has also been asked to rush there. We have made blood, medicines and injections available in the hospitals," the chief minister said.
"We have acted fast after we received reports of deaths due to encephalitis. We are doing our best despite shortage of staff," she said.
Jalpaiguri was the worst affected district particularly urban areas Moynaguri and Dhupguri, while lower region of of Darjeeling district was also badly affected, Banerjee said.