New Delhi. Bihar Health Minister Shri Mangal Pandey met Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Dr. Harsh Vardhan today at his residence to review ongoing health schemes in the State and discuss the recent increase in cases of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) and Japanese Encephalitis (JE).
During the meeting, Dr. Harsh Vardhan examined the reported surge in AES cases from Muzaffarpur and JE cases from Gaya. He also appreciated the State government for achieving a decline in the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR).
The Union Minister directed senior officials of the Health Ministry to hold detailed discussions with State and district authorities, particularly regarding the rise in AES cases and associated deaths reported in June from Muzaffarpur.
Dr. Harsh Vardhan instructed his Ministry to extend all necessary support to the Bihar government. “The Health Ministry is coordinating with the Ministry of Women and Child Development to ensure the distribution of nutritious meals fortified with glucose, which can help prevent the onset of AES,” he said.
He added that he is monitoring the situation closely and will visit Bihar at an appropriate time to review AES management as well as the implementation of central health schemes.
From January 2019 to June 8, Bihar has reported a total of 48 AES cases, including 11 deaths.
