Tribal boy dies in Jharkhand; administration seeks report

Jamshedpur, March 20: An eight-year-old boy of the vulnerable Sabar tribe died of purported prostate cancer at a hospital in Dalbhumgarh of Jharkhand's East Singhbhum district, prompting the administration to seek a report from the Block Development Officer.

The boy, Mast Lama Sabar, who was on Friday, March 18 admitted to Meherbhai Tata Memorial Hospital here after his health deteriorated, died last evening.

The condition of the boy was serious owing to abdominal swelling and all efforts were made to save him, district Civil Surgeon Dr S K Jha said, adding the family had not contacted the district administration.

He, however, did not confirm whether the boy was having prostate cancer. "We are not sure whether the boy was suffering from prostate cancer or a simple tumour", Jha said.

He said the state government would refund all the medical expenses of the boy. Meanwhile, Sub-Divisional Officer (Ghatsila), Santosh Kumar Garg said, "We have sought a detailed report whether the boy’s parents have any valid documents such as voter ID or ration card."

The boy's family has claimed that they did not have any voter ID or ration card to avail benefits of the enumeration process announced by the government for critical diseases.

If the family did not have valid documents, then how they missed out despite survey was conducted by the district administration to ensure enrolment of the Sabar community for providing them the benefits," he said.

Garg said the report is expected to be submitted by the Block Development Officer, Dalbhumgarh tomorrow. Also, East Singhbhum administration has decided to hold monthly health camp in remote villages, including the boy's native village Rawtara.

PTI