50% dip in encephalitis deaths at BRD hospital

GORAKHPUR: According to Baba Raghav Das Medical College records there has been more than 50% decline in deaths caused by encephalitis in comparison to last year.

Superintendent in charge of BRD Medical College, GC Srivastav said, “Last year 183 children died from January to August, while this year, 88 children have died since January. In August alone 80 children died last year, while this year only six children have died till August 30. Last year 409 children were admitted due to encephalitis, while this year the number reduced to just 83 children.”

Government has been focusing on controlling encephalitis since a very long time. The resources at BRD Medical college has also increased. The beds have increased from 264 to 428. Number of ventilators, monitors and warmers have increased from 58 to 71, 41to 102 and 16 to 78 respectively.

Talking about the reason behind the decline in deaths in the hospital, BRD Medical College, Principal, Ganesh Kumar said, “Yes, the number of encephalitis deaths have reduced to more than 50 % in comparison to last year. This is majorly due to proper care and treatment that has been given to the patients. All the departments in the hospital have also been coordinating well with each other. There has also been an increase in public awareness, vaccination and weather condition has also improved.”

Kumar added, “Encephalitis is a disease which can be largely controlled with prevention and by spreading awareness.”