(Video) Rajya Sabha TV (RSTV) The Big Picture: Bihar Encephalitis Deaths & State of Medical Care

Topic: Bihar Encephalitis Deaths & State of Medical Care

Guest:

Sushmi Dey, (Assistant Editor, National Bureau, TOI)
Dr. Girish Tyagi, (President, Delhi Medical Association)
R K Srivastava, (Former Director General, Health Services, GOI)

Topic Description:

The death of over 130 children in Bihar due to acute encephalitis syndrome has once again put the spotlight on the state of the healthcare sector in the country. The Supreme Court took cognizance of the matter and said the deaths are a matter of “grave concern” and directed the Centre and the Bihar government to file their response on medical care facilities within a week. A study conducted by the Indian Medical Association found that the deaths could have been prevented had a health awareness campaign been conducted and correct information provided to the families. Meanwhile Niti Aayog released the 2nd edition of its report ‘Healthy States, Progressive India’. Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra emerged as the top ranking states based on historical performance across health indicators while Haryana, Rajasthan and Jharkhand topped the index based on incremental performance; Chhattisgarh was the worst performing state on this parameter. Bihar and Uttar Pradesh emerged as the worst performing states in the country. On this edition of The Big Picture, we will take stock of the health care sector and the way forward.