The image of present India to the world is that of a emerging Superpower , but it is really horrific to see the reality in which lots of Indians are struggling to survive . Today I raise in front of you a similar issue with which my region back in India is struggling with . Almost past 15 years I have been reading about this is local and international dailies. Children dying out of a mysterious disease in Gorakhpur and adjoining areas.
Gorakhpur and adjoining districts which border Nepal in the foothills of the Himalayas are low-lying and prone to floods, providing a breeding ground for mosquitoes which commonly transmit the virus that causes this fever called "encephalitis" .The disease usually occurs during the monsoon season in Gorakhpur and adjoining areas and children are the worst affected. At least 6,500 children have died of encephalitis in the region since the first case was detected in 1978(I fear this figure is too high ,since Lots of cases go unreported and ofcouse you all know how govt figures are manipulated in India). Alone in year 2005 a virulent outbreak of Japanese encephalitis in Gorakhpur killed 1,000 people, mostly children. This was the worst outbreak since 1978.
Although Government is making some effort to tackle the problem ,but it is far from adequate .There seem to be many issues making it difficult to handle . Number one is the affected region is large and crowded. Eastern UP, the most populous, has largest area and highest population density but very poor economic and health facilities. The region has a population of over 60 million with more than 90% rural population. Number two is that BRD Medical College hospital of Gorakhpur is the only prominent health care centre of the region which is in a very annoying condition already (although some steps like a special ward for affected children has been added now).I strongly believe Gorakhpur needs a AIIMS like facilty given the burden it has (Additionally it handles patients from adjoining areas - Nepal and Bihar) .
My Idea behind writing this small blog is to raise my voice against the irresponsible way the Govt of India and UP Govt are tackling the problem . I know directly urging Government will not solve the issue. Thats why I want the wide gamut of Intellectuals to support the cause , a cause that is for the children of Eastern UP , the small and poor children who are dying daily because of the very lack of proper health care system and Hospitals (like AIIMS or a related Research Institute in Gorakhpur) . I urge everyone to do there bit for this cause either share this blog or write your own message , or Protest in your own way to let the Govt know that we are watching and you just cannot Ignore the issue .
