Gumla: Two persons have died in the past nine days after suffering epileptic seizures, adding to the rising number of fatalities linked to the condition in the district, where inadequate treatment facilities and lack of awareness remain major concerns.Khapai Oraon (16), a resident of Naditoli hamlet, drowned in a river while bathing after suddenly experiencing a seizure on March 23. In another incident, Bisni Devi (63) of Phori Jungatoli village fell onto a burning hearth following a convulsion on March 31.Khapai’s uncle, Mangru Oraon, said the teenager had been suffering from epilepsy for over a year and was undergoing local treatment.In 2025, eight people have died due to epileptic seizures in Gumla.Notably, following a report published on Nov 10, 2025, titled “Rural Jharkhand Faces Alarming Epilepsy Deaths Due to Lack of Treatment & Awareness,” the health department constituted a three-member team of doctors to investigate the deaths. The team submitted its report in Jan this year, recommending a comprehensive epilepsy care programme for the state.Former Rims Ranchi neurosurgeon Dr Thomas Minj said, “A serious condition like epilepsy cannot be effectively managed merely through training of health workers. What Jharkhand needs is an integrated epilepsy management programme.”
