Keonjhar: With superstition prevalent in several tribal pockets, there has been an increase in branding-related deaths in Keonjhar district.
Within a week, two tribal kids, who were in critical condition after branding, died in Harichandanpur block. In the last one month itself, 10 cases of branding have been reported from the district.
According to reports, yet another Juanga kid from Kharba village, who was under treatment at the district headquarters hospital, succumbed Sunday. The deceased was identified as Malati Juanga’s 25-day old baby.
A few days back, son of Kulamani Juanga, a resident of Kuladhankuni under this block, was branded and died August 1 while undergoing treatment.
The kin of Malati had got her son branded when his navel was infected and did not heal. The kid was later admitted at SNCU of the DHH.
ADMO Dr Binod Bihari Mishra said that the kids were under treatment for their wounds caused by branding. The growing cases of branding have left the health department in a fix.
Various social activists say that in remote tribal pockets healthcare has been a luxury and people resort to branding as a means of cure. Such cases are common in areas like Kharba, Kuladhankuni, Nalo and other hilly areas under this block.
Some social activists pointed out that people who don’t have enough money for treatment opt for traditional healers.
A few days ago, a seven-year old son of Gouri Dehuri, was branded for his ailment at Phuljhar area under Bansapal block. The kid’s belly was distended due to some problem. His kin branded him, but his ailment did not subside. His condition became critical and later he was rushed to the district headquarters hospital.
Social activists seek to know how ASHAs, Anganwadi workers and health workers in rural pockets fail to know about such incidents.
CDMO Dr Kabindra Prasad Sahu had earlier said that people in rural pockets were influenced by superstition and try to cure patients with branding. PNN
