Cerebral malaria crisis deepens in East Singhbhum, MGM Hospital struggles with rising caseload

 Pioneer News Service
Jamshedpur

The cerebral malaria outbreak in East Singhbhum has assumed alarming proportions, with Potka block emerging as the worst-hit area. As the disease continues to spread rapidly through villages, several members of the same families have fallen ill, placing immense pressure on the region’s healthcare system.

The gravity of the situation is reflected at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial (MGM) Medical College Hospital, where more than 20 patients suffering from malaria and cerebral malaria are currently undergoing treatment. Doctors have expressed concern over the increasing number of critically ill children being admitted every day.

Of the admitted patients, 15 are being treated in the Pediatrics Department, with five children in critical condition. The Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) are operating at full capacity as doctors work round the clock to save the young patients.

One of the most critical cases is that of one-year-old Khushbu Sardar from Potka, who has been placed on a ventilator after developing cerebral malaria, severe anaemia, seizures and respiratory distress. The tragedy has been particularly devastating for the family, as Khushbu’s elder sister, Subola Sardar, succumbed to the disease just three days ago.

Her father, Mahavir Sardar, said the family is struggling to cope after losing one daughter while desperately praying for the recovery of the younger child.

The outbreak has affected several villages across Potka, with multiple members of individual families falling ill. The one-year-old son of Abhijit Bhumij from Serendih village is also battling cerebral malaria in critical condition. Abhijit himself has been suffering from high fever for several days, and doctors have advised him to undergo treatment.

Several other children from Potka, Patamda, Dumaria, Gudabanda, Chakradharpur, Gamharia, Bagbera, Chandil, Rajnagar and adjoining areas are also receiving treatment in the Pediatrics Department after testing positive for malaria.

Hospital authorities said all beds in the PICU and NICU are currently occupied due to the continuous influx of critically ill patients. The hospital has only two ventilators available, making the management of severe cases increasingly challenging.

DC reviews treatment at hospitals

With cerebral malaria cases continuing to be reported from Potka block, Deputy Commissioner Rajiv Ranjan on Sunday visited MGM Medical College & Hospital and Sadar Hospital to review the treatment of admitted patients and assess the medical facilities being provided.

During his visit, the Deputy Commissioner interacted with patients and their family members, enquired about their health condition and sought detailed updates from doctors regarding treatment and recovery.

Reviewing the hospital arrangements, the Deputy Commissioner instructed the management to ensure that no patient faces any difficulty in receiving treatment. He directed officials to maintain adequate availability of medicines, diagnostic facilities, blood, hospital beds and all other essential medical services.