Hazaribag administration orders probe into 3 Kala Azar deaths in Chouparan

Hazaribag: Deputy commissioner Shashi Prakash Singh on Wednesday directed Hazaribag civil surgeon Dr Ashok Kumar to probe the deaths of three people from the Birhor community in Chouparan block of the district due to Kala Azar over the past few days.

A team led by Kumar reached Chouparan and began probing the deaths on Wednesday. Among the deceased are two teenage girls and a 38-year-old woman. One of them, Saraswati Kumari (13), died at the Chouparan community health centre (CHC) on Tuesday. Puja Kumari (15) and Parvati Devi (38) had died over the course of the past 45 days. All the three were members of different families.Johan Tudu, Barhi subdivisional officer, confirmed the deaths due to Kala Azar on Wednesday.

Notably, Birhor is a particularly vulnerable tribal group (PVTG) in the state. “Taking note of the deaths, the DC has directed the civil surgeon to conduct a probe and submit a report on findings within three days,” a statement issued by the district information and public relations department said.Singh, officials said, directed the civil surgeon to ascertain whether the deaths were due to the negligence of hospital authorities and provide relief to the families of the deceased. Doctors found negligence would be punished, the DC said.