Govt. assistance remains elusive for Vengoor families hit by Hepatitis A outbreak

Nearly eight months after a major Hepatitis A outbreak, the affected families in Vengoor panchayat, near Perumbavoor, have almost lost hope of getting financial assistance from the government for the medical expenses incurred following prolonged hospitalisation.

The outbreak, first reported on April 17, affected over 250 people and claimed four lives, including 27-year-old Anjana Chandran from Kaippilly ward. Anjana was on ventilator support for over 75 days before succumbing to the illness. Most cases were reported from Choorathodu, Edathuruth, Vengoor, Vakkuvally, Kaippilly and Kodampilly wards.

“I have no choice but to sell a portion of my land to settle the debt caused by my daughter’s hospitalisation. Despite assurances, we have received no assistance from the government authorities,” said Chandran, Anjana’s father. A rubber tapping worker, he had been running from pillar to post seeking government aid for the huge personal loss suffered by his family. “The hospital expenses amounted to ₹23 lakh. Of this, we received external help to the tune of ₹11 lakh, while the remaining amount was raised through loans,” he said.

Baiju Paul, councillor representing Vakkuvally ward, which recorded the highest number of cases, pointed out that the affected families had almost no hope of getting help from the government. “Eight months have passed since the outbreak, and the government has provided no assistance. Those who were admitted to the intensive care unit had to incur an average of ₹1 lakh and above towards their medical expenses,” Mr. Paul said.

Officials of the Ernakulam district administration said chances of financial assistance from the government for the affected families were remote as similar incidents had been reported from other parts of the State. The government’s financial situation remained a hurdle for extending monetary help to them, they added.

According to a preliminary investigation by the Health department, the supply of contaminated water from the pumping station of the Kerala Water Authority at Choorathodu had triggered the disease outbreak.