AGARTALA, June 26 (TIWN): The Indigenous National Party of Tripura (INPT) has demanded compensation of Rs. 50,000 for each malaria victim family. “The government must provide compensation to those families who have lost their members due to the malaria menace. We are of the view the government must take a realistic view to console them by giving compensation”, said an IPPT leader.

He held the health department responsible for the so many deaths due to malaria outbreak.

“Suspension of some health workers shows the department has failed to provide basic health services to the people living in remote areas. If the department was alert, so many deaths could be avoided easily”, he said. “In fact, there are so many health centres in the tribal areas which need immediate treatment. Despite required infrastructure, the health centres have failed to deliver when it need most”, he alleged.

So far, 48 tribal villages died of malaria while over 2000 people are battling for life due to the outbreak of malaria.

Alarmed by the condition, the Centre has sent an expert team to visit the affected areas to take stock of the situation and follow-up action to tide over the situation. Sources said, the Central team is not happy with the initiatives taken by the department. And, Health Minister Badal Chowdhury is also not happy with the functioning of the department. Now, it is to be seen if the government accepts the demand of INPT or not.