Jamshedpur: Concerned over the sharp rise in malaria cases in East Singhbhum district, the health department has directed the authorities of Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Medical College and Hospital (MGMMCH) in Jamshedpur to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the causes behind the outbreak.A total of 1,731 malaria cases have been reported in the district between June 29 and July 10, along with 6 deaths. Of the total cases, 1,361 are Plasmodium falciparum (PF) and 326 Plasmodium vivax (PV) infections.A team from MGMMCH’s department of preventive and social medicine (PSM) will soon visit villages reporting a high incidence of infections to interact with residents in a bid to understand the transmission pattern.The doctors will also survey affected villages to assess living conditions, lifestyle factors and preventive measures adopted by residents since the outbreak.MGMMCH principal Dr Sanjay Kumar on Saturday said that he sought detailed records from East Singhbhum civil surgeon Dr Sahir Pall on malaria cases, treatment provided to patients and steps taken to curb the spread of the disease.“As part of the probe, the hospital team will examine all malaria-related deaths reported over the past fortnight to determine the exact cause and ascertain whether any medical negligence contributed to the fatalities,” Kumar said.The team will also clinically assess patients and recommend additional measures to the health department for the containment of the disease. “The team will complete its investigation at the earliest,” Kumar said.Amid scrutiny over the malaria outbreak in Potka block, local community health centre’s medical officer in-charge Dr Rajani Mahakaud has been suspended. Eleven doctors posted at the facility have also been served showcause notices.
