Potka CHC In-Charge Suspended After Cerebral Malaria Deaths  

Health Department acts after probe finds lapses in malaria control; new Medical Officer appointed

 Potka: In a major administrative action following the deaths of five children due to cerebral malaria in Potka block, the Health Department has suspended the Medical Officer-in-Charge of the Community Health Centre (CHC), Potka, Dr. Rajni Mahakud, with immediate effect. Dr. Sukant Seat has been appointed as the new Medical Officer-in-Charge.

The decision comes after an inquiry conducted by the Health Department reportedly found serious lapses in the implementation of malaria prevention and control measures in the affected region.

Probe points to negligence

According to officials, the departmental investigation highlighted shortcomings in the timely execution of malaria control campaigns, disease surveillance, and preventive measures in vulnerable villages.

Acting on the directions of the Joint Secretary of the Health Department and the Civil Surgeon, Dr. Mahakud has been placed under suspension and directed to report to the office of the Regional Deputy Director of Health Services, Dumka, until further orders.

The department said the deaths of five children due to cerebral malaria were being viewed with utmost seriousness and that accountability would be fixed wherever negligence was established.

New CHC head assumes charge                      

Dr. Sukant Seat has been appointed as the new Medical Officer-in-Charge of CHC Potka and has been instructed to take charge immediately.

Health officials have directed the new officer to intensify malaria surveillance and ensure that all preventive and treatment measures are implemented effectively across the block.

Special drive to curb malaria

The Health Department has also instructed district health authorities to launch an intensified anti-malaria campaign in affected villages.

The special drive will focus on large-scale malaria testing, prompt treatment of infected patients, distribution of anti-malarial medicines, fogging and insecticide spraying, and extensive public awareness programmes to prevent further spread of the disease.

Officials said door-to-door health monitoring and early detection of fever cases would be strengthened to ensure timely medical intervention.

Focus on preventing further fatalities

The administration has reiterated its commitment to bringing the cerebral malaria outbreak under control at the earliest and preventing any recurrence of such tragedies.

Health teams continue to monitor the situation in the affected villages, while residents have been urged to seek immediate medical attention in case of fever and strictly follow preventive measures, including the use of mosquito nets and maintaining hygiene to reduce mosquito breeding.