UP govt successful in controlling encephalitis deaths, says CM
Chief minister Yogi Adityanath claimed that the state government had been successful in controlling encephalitis deaths in Gorakhpur in August by adopting some preventive measures like availability of clean drinking water, sanitation and vaccination.
He was addressing a gathering of young scientists, doctors and residents at the Scientific Convention Centre while inaugurating a Health Conclave and Science Expo on ‘Transforming Indian Health’ on Friday.
The chief minister said from 1978 to 2016, the number of deaths due to encephalitis during August was between 150-200 and around 600 patients used to get admitted to the wards, but this year only 80 patients were admitted and only six died of encephalitis in August.
He said this was possible because of installing RO machines in schools of affected areas, improvement in sanitation, and proper vaccination of individuals.
Through efforts like International Science Festival and health conclave, one could create awareness about diseases and prevention of such deaths, he added.
Adityanath said he always believed that prevention and awareness could prevent more deaths than waiting for the disease to occur and then its cure.
He said, “Healthy citizens can create a healthy society. Our culture has always motivated us for awareness on
healthy living. We can revolutionise health sector by some awareness. I think this awareness and prevention must be included in school books. If a common man knows about first aid, this will reduce crowds in hospitals.”
He said, “The Swachh Bharat mission will change the health scenario in the country. This will prevent spread of many diseases in country.”
He said Ayushman Bharat scheme has to be taken to the common man but at the same time it must not be misused. The chief minister said the traditional treatment with herbs and shrubs must also be promoted. “People have to prepare integrated medical system to promote Indian system of medicine and only then total health can be achieved,” he said.
Speaking on the occasion, Union minister of science and technology Harsh Vardhan praised Prime Minister Modi for his vision through which he has achieved ODF status for 25 states.
“This will change the health scene of India. He also brought Ayushman Bharat, which will help the poor get free medical treatment,” he said.
The Swachh Bharat mission will change the health scenario in the country. This will prevent spread of many diseases in India.
YOGI ADITYANATH, UP CHIEF MINISTER