Two children die of malaria in Dumaria; health team probes system failure

State Malaria Inspector Anil Prasad led an official health department team to investigate the incident on Wednesday. Officials visited Badepahar and Jhayadih hamlets in Bakdakochha village to gather key details.

They interviewed the bereaved families regarding the initial symptoms, fever duration, and medical facilities accessed during the illness.

Thirteen-year-old Shekhar Mardi died at Dumaria Community Health Centre while doctors prepared to refer him to MGM Hospital.

In a separate incident, eleven-year-old Pradeep Murmu succumbed to malaria during treatment at a hospital in Jamshedpur.

The investigation team will submit a comprehensive finding report to the state health department shortly.

Officials urged villagers to immediately report fever cases to local Swasthya Sahiyas instead of approaching traditional faith healers.

They emphasized that prompt diagnosis and treatment at nearby health centres save lives during severe outbreaks.

However, angry residents criticized the administration for neglecting essential preventive measures in remote tribal pockets.

Villagers alleged that authorities failed to conduct anti-larval spraying or insecticidal fogs across the block last year.

Many families revealed that health workers have not distributed fresh mosquito nets in their villages for several years.

Locals expressed frustration that officials only react after tragic fatalities rather than taking proactive preventive action.

Community members demanded urgent medical screening camps, regular spraying drives, net distribution, and continuous awareness campaigns.

The state team’s upcoming report will outline accountability measures and corrective steps to prevent further malaria casualties.