A three-member team from Epidemiology and Disease Control Division arrived in Nepalgunj to investigate the claim. The team comprises Dr Suman Thapa, Dr Prakash Ghimire and Dr Yadu Chandra Ghimire, according to the District Public Health Office (DPHO).[break]
Of the people who sought treatment after falling ill following consumption of the medicine against elephantiasis, Salman Shesh of Nepalgunj-1, 65-year-old Bhuresh Kandhu of Belbhar-6, one-year-old Adhi Dhobi of Belbhar-8, and 80-year-old Tilku Chaudhary of Shumshergunj-6 passed away, their family members claimed.
DPHO Chief Dhir Jung Shah, however, did not confirm the cause of the deaths.
Medicine against elephantiasis was administered in 36 districts, including Banke, last Saturday. A large number of people fell ill after consuming the medicine. The number of people reaching hospitals to seek treatment at Bheri Zonal Hospital and Nepalgunj Teaching Hospital after falling ill has steadily risen.
Hospital sources say more than 150 people have sought treatment for complications they developed after taking the medicine.
Shah, however, said that common side effects like dizziness, stomachache, and fever subside after a few days.
Meanwhile, at a press conference, Dr Suresh Kanaudiya, president of Bheri Doctors´ Association, and Sunil Shrestha, chief of Appellate Bar Association, among others, have demanded clarification from the government about the quality of medicine that was administered.
Related story
Govt to provide medicine against elephantiasis from February 23
_20220312102535.jpg)
-1200x560-1779450784.webp)
