East Uttar Pradesh: Encephalitis-free, no deaths this year, Adityanath

“Previous governments were mired in corruption instead of implementing necessary measures. As an MP, I raised this issue at length, which finally led to action. This success has been made possible by unwavering determination and collective support of all stakeholders, something which was once thought impossible,” he said at the fourth foundation day celebration of Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences here.

The CM recalled that five years ago, eastern Uttar Pradesh was hit by encephalitis and the annual death toll between July and November was between 1,200 and 1,500. At BRD Medical College in Gorakhpur alone, 500 to 700 people died.

“This crisis lasted for 40 years and resulted in the death of 50,000 children while previous governments failed to combat it effectively,” he said. The chief minister appreciated the role of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in setting up the AIIMS in Gorakhpur to combat encephalitis.

Adityanath said that recent surveys conducted in eastern UP have confirmed that no child has died of encephalitis this year. He added that these findings underline the success of the government's efforts to eradicate the disease in the region. He also highlighted the rapid progress in setting up one medical college per district in UP, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision.

During the event, the CM released the annual report of the institute, inaugurated a new building and honored professors and assistant professors by awarding medals and certificates.

Also present were Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, Minister of State Mayankeshwar Sharan Singh, Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh, Principal Secretary (Medical Health), Family Welfare and Medical Education Parth Sarthi Sen Sharma and Director of the Institute Prof. CM Singh.

“There will be no shortage of doctors in UP in the next five to seven years. All PHCs and CHCs will be manned by doctors and institutions like RMLIMS, SGPGI and KGMU will have highly qualified specialists,” he said.