In a horror story unfolding at the Muzaffarpur hospital in Bihar, 93 children have succumbed to death so far owing to encephalitis. Union Health Minister, Dr Harsh Vardhan visited the Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital in Muzaffarpur on Sunday to taken an assessment of the terrifying situation. This hospital has witnessed maximum number of child deaths in the last two weeks due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES), locally referred to as ‘Chamki’ fever.

Accompanied by Minister of State for Health and Bihar Health Minister, Dr Harsh Vardhan spent four hours at the hospital reviewing the situation arising out of sudden spurt of encephalitis linked deaths.

It is heartening to notice that the Union Health Minister did not find any fault with the facilities being provided at the hospital and supported the doctors for their efficiency in dealing with the crisis. He has also encouraged the formation of a research institute to identify the reason behind the disease.

Muzaffarpur has been witness to a similar incident in 2014, when encephalitis had claimed 379 lives. In his second visit to the hospital, the central health minister has chalked out a blue print to control the menace in future.