E-Paper
Meningococcemia rocks Parliament
MPs expressed concern over the spread of meningococcemia in New Delhi and sought a reply from Govt on the issue.
Parliament on Friday saw members expressing concern over the spread of a fatal strain of meningitis called meningococcemia, which has claimed 14 lives in New Delhi.
MPs in the Lok Sabha demanded a statement from Health Minister Ambumani Ramadoss over the potential epidemic that has caused panic not only in Delhi but also in other parts of the country.
Members belonging to the Samajwadi Party (SP), Janata Dal-Secular and Left parties were on their feet shouting for a response from the Government on what they described as a 'health emergency'.
"People are really concerned about this disease. They have a right to know what is happening," said SP MP Ramjilal Suman over the din.
Defence Minister and Leader of House, Pranab Mukherjee, assured the house that the Government would respond immediately.
"I can understand the concern of member. I will request the health minister to make a statement today (Friday) concerning the prevailing situation," Mukherjee said, after which the house calmed down.
The assurance comes in the backdrop of a stocktaking meeting in the health ministry on the disease and its impact.
According to official figures, 14 people have died of the disease so far in Delhi, mainly in the thickly populated old quarters known as the Walled City.
