The Tragic Death of 100 Children in Bihar: Why National Media is Focusing on Doctors Rather Than the State Government
The recent deaths of 100 children in the state of Bihar in India have sparked intense debates and criticisms, particularly regarding the failure of the healthcare system to address a preventable medical condition. National media has largely focused on doctors and healthcare professionals rather than the state government, reflecting a broader societal condition of indifference and dysfunction towards the welfare of the poor and vulnerable.
Context and Background
Any conflict between the Indian government and its citizens is often marred by the colonial maxim that “Caesar’s wife can do no wrong”. This has led to a situation where the state government is held to a different standard, even when significant failures occur. In the case of the deaths of 100 children, the focus on doctors highlights a deeper issue of indifference and systemic flaws that extend beyond individual actions or negligence.
The Incident: Poor Blood Sugar Levels and Litchi Consumption
Many of the affected children had an increased risk of hypoglycaemia because they were from families in litchi orchards, where they often ate dropped fruits on the ground. Litchis contain a chemical called methylene cyclopropyl alanine which suppresses glucose production in the body. Without a balanced diet, these children were already at risk, especially in the mornings when their blood sugar levels were naturally low.
While hypoglycaemic encephalopathy is known to be manageable with oral sugar, the system failed to provide this basic intervention in a timely manner. The 2019 incident follows a pattern established in 2014, where doctors had already outlined the necessary measures to prevent such tragedies. However, by 2019, all the lessons were forgotten, leading to a gross failure in preventing these deaths.
Healthcare System and Solutions Ignored
Healthcare professionals agreed that the only solution to hypoglycaemic encephalopathy was to administer sugar solutions within four hours of the first signs of low blood sugar. This critical intervention was consistently neglected in Bihar. The primary healthcare centers were not equipped with glucose meters, and there was a lack of urgency to address the rising cases of low blood sugar among children.
The fact that these deaths were entirely preventable further emphasizes the dysfunctionality and irresponsibility of the system. It is clear that a system that cannot guarantee every poor child a meal every night should at the very least ensure that basic medical interventions are provided when required.
Consequences and Reflections
The deaths of 100 children in Bihar reveal the deeply iniquitous nature of Indian society. The indifference and dysfunction of the healthcare system reflect a broader societal failure to ensure basic rights and protections, particularly for the poorest members of society. National media focusing on doctors rather than the state government highlights a systemic issue that extends beyond individual medical professionals.
Conclusion
This incident is a stark reminder of the inequities and failures that plague Indian society. While doctors and healthcare professionals deserve scrutiny and accountability, the state government must also be held responsible for creating and maintaining a functional and responsive healthcare system. Only through systemic changes can we hope to prevent similar tragedies in the future.