(a) whether any comprehensive programmes have been launched to
eradicate Malaria, Encephalities and Hepatitis B and C throughout the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the states where casualties by such diseases occurred beyond expectation; and
(d) the steps taken by the Government to tackle these diseases?
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) (SHRI N.T. SHANMUGAM)
(a)to(d): A statement is laid on the Table of the Lok Sabha.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION N0.77 FOR ANSWER ON 29.02.2000
(a) & (b) : For control of malaria, a National Anti-Malaria Programme (NAMP) is being implemented as a Category-11 Centrally Sponsored Scheme on Cost sharing basis between the Centre and the State Governments. Initiatives for control of Japanese Encephalitis (JE) are common with the vector control components of NAMP.
To eliminate the risk of Hepatitis B through contaminated blood, testing of blood for Hepatitis B has been made mandatory. On account of paucity of resources, it has not been found possible to include vaccination against Hepatitis as a part of Universal Immunization Programme (UIP).
(c)&(d) : The incidence of malaria in the country as a whole in 1999 has been lower than that in the previous year. However, significant focal outbreaks of this disease did occur in Assam, Bihar, Mizoram, Nagaland and West Bengal. Special teams were sent to Assam, Bihar and West Bengal to advise the local administration on the preventive steps to be taken.
The incidence of Japanese Encephalitis (JE) in the country as a whole in 1999 has been somewhat higher than that in the previous years. Significant focal outbreaks have occurred in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. Technical teams were sent to these areas to `assist the State Governments in taking necessary preventive steps.