Make DDRCs fully functional to tackle JE, AES cases: J P Nadda to states

NEW DELHI: Union Health Minister J P Nadda has directed state governments to make district disability rehabilitation centres fully functional to tackle cases of Japanese Encephalitis ( JE) and Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES).

Nadda, at a meeting of senior officials and health secretaries of five states affected by JE and AES here today, noted that a large number of children affected by the diseases becomes disabled with physical, mental and neurological disorder, and directed the states concerned to make district disability rehabilitation centres ( DDRCs) fully functional.

The minister emphasised that all stakeholders should do everything in their means to prevent deaths due to JE and AES.

"While vaccination in JE has helped in dramatic reduction of mortality due to this disease, it was necessary to maintain high coverage and implement vector control measures in a coordinated manner for AES," said Nadda.

He said clean drinking water is a key requirement and for this purpose he urged the states to make full use of funds made available by the Department of Drinking Water and Supply.

The participating ministries and departments included Drinking Water and Sanitation, Women and Child Development, Social Justice and Empowerment, Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation, School Education and Literacy, and Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries.

Nadda, who had already toured Tamil Nadu to assess the situation, will be now visiting Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh this month and other affected areas subsequently.