DC Assures Better Treatment Amid Potka Outbreak

Key Points:

• DC Rajiv Ranjan Meets Brain Malaria Patients In MGM, Sadar Hospital
• Officials Direct Hospitals To Avoid Shortage Of Medicines, Beds
• Health Department Intensifies Door-To-Door Survey In Potka

JAMSHEDPUR – Deputy Commissioner Rajiv Ranjan visited brain malaria patients admitted at MGM Medical College and Hospital and Sadar Hospital on Sunday. He spoke with the patients and their family members to inquire about their wellbeing.

The Deputy Commissioner also held discussions with doctors regarding the ongoing treatment. He sought detailed information on the medical care being provided to each patient.

Rajiv Ranjan directed hospital authorities to ensure better treatment for all patients. He instructed officials that there should be no shortage of medicines, diagnostic tests, blood or beds at any of the facilities.

Officials were also told to ensure continuous monitoring of critical patients. The Deputy Commissioner asked that treatment continue under the supervision of specialist doctors at MGM Hospital.

During the inspection, Rajiv Ranjan said the condition of all brain malaria patients currently admitted in the hospitals is stable. He added that a team of doctors is continuously monitoring their progress.

The district administration and the health department are keeping a close watch on the situation, he said. According to the Deputy Commissioner, all necessary medical facilities are being made available to the patients.

Meanwhile, the health department has launched an extensive campaign in the affected villages of Potka block. The drive includes door-to-door surveys, fever screening, malaria testing and distribution of medicines.

Awareness efforts on the use of mosquito nets and prevention of infection are also being carried out. A specialist team from the state health department is regularly visiting the affected villages to monitor the situation.

Brain malaria has been a growing concern in East Singhbhum district in recent days, with several cases reported among children in the Potka region. Health officials have repeatedly stressed the importance of early detection in containing the disease.

Rajiv Ranjan appealed to the public not to attempt self-treatment if symptoms such as fever, chills or headache appear. He urged residents to immediately visit the nearest health centre for a check-up instead.

He also advised people to use mosquito nets regularly and keep their homes and surroundings clean. Residents were asked not to allow water to stagnate near their houses.

Timely testing and treatment, he said, can prevent serious complications arising from diseases such as brain malaria. The Deputy Development Commissioner, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Dhalbhum, the college principal, a team of doctors, officials of the district health department and other related officers were present during the visit.

The outbreak has put additional pressure on healthcare infrastructure in Sadar Hospital and MGM, both of which have been treating a rising number of malaria cases this season. Jamshedpur and surrounding East Singhbhum villages have reported multiple deaths linked to brain malaria in the Potka area over the past several days, prompting heightened administrative attention to the outbreak.