Infant dies in relief centre in CCpur
Source: Chronicle News Service / Kaimuanthang Mangte
CCpur, September 21 2023:
As the humanitarian crisis in the state is nearing completion of five months, a 10-month-old baby girl died in a relief centre set up at SSPP Residential School, Churachandpur district, taking the total number of displaced people who have died due to various ailments in relief camps to 37 .
The latest victim, identified as Nemchinthem, daughter of Tongthang and Tingneilhing from H Champhai village under Saikul sub-division in Kangpokpi district, had been suffering from heart-related illnesses.
Unfortunately, due to the prevailing circumstances, they were unable to seek better medical treatment, resulting in her passing away on Thursday around 8:30 am.
The burial took place at Mata Lambu-lane, at her uncle's residence in a burial ceremony organised by Kanaan YPA unit and Evangelical Baptist Convention church elders.
As per ground reports, a total of 37 individuals have lost their lives in different relief centres due to various illnesses since the beginning of the violence on May 3 .
In May, two individuals died, followed by 11 in June, and 14 in July, four in August, and one in September.
Two of them died on their way to a relief camp, the source said.
Reliable sources have indicated that the primary cause of these deaths was the inability of displaced people to afford the basic medicine and better healthcare service.
Though the medical department provides medicines, they often reach late.
Even if the patients were admitted to the district hospital, treatment was often futile as their condition had already advanced to fatal stages, sources added.
Although the CMO of the district hospital makes arrangements for medicine provision, it falls short of public expectations.
There has been a significant shortage of drugs and other life-saving medications.
Medicines intended for Churachandpur are blocked, preventing timely arrival, the source further said.
Last week, army airdropped some life-saving medicines and drugs, but they were insufficient for the entire population of Churachandpur.
Furthermore, the supplies are divided between the people in the relief centres and the general populace.
On top of this, relief centres are also facing improper sanitation, exacerbated by inadequate water supply.
At present, there are around 500 relief centres in the district accommodating approximately 15,000 to 20,000 people, it added.