Chaparai-like incident will not recur: Andhra Health Minister tours tribal areas

Andhra Health Minister Kamineni Srinivas said on Thursday that all steps would be taken by the state, to prevent the recurrence of incidents like the one at Chaparai, where 16 tribal persons died.  

Around 32 people had been admitted to the government hospital in Rampachodavaram and the primary health centre (PHC) at Maradumilli last month, after suspected food poisoning. This was following the death of 16 tribal people.

Twenty-three local tribal people from Chaparai village in Andhra’s East Godavari district, who were admitted to the Area Hospital in Rajamahendravaram on June 25, were later discharged.

The Minister visited the Rampachodavaram hospital, where he told the media that the incident at Chaparai, would be a case study to prevent such incidents. He also said that all 51 affected tribal people were sent back to their respective villages after being given treatment.

The Hindu also quoted him as saying that tribal people should change their food habits and officials and NGOs should come forward to enlighten them. He blamed a lack of information from Chaparai, for the delay in treatment, and the unfortunate deaths of the tribal persons. 

“We took stock of the situation and noted down their problems. On the orders of the Chief Minister, I have been touring tribal areas for a week. We have to improve sanitation in the villages and will work towards it. More awareness also has to be created. The government will help them in every way,” he told media persons.

Following the incident, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu also held a teleconference with ministers and officials concerned, to take stock of the situation.

An ex-gratia payment of Rs 5 lakh has been announced by the CM for the victims of the tragedy.

Deputy CM Chinna Rajappa also personally visited and spoke with the victims. 

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