Assembly discusses fallout of amoebic meningoencephalitis in Kerala

A much-anticipated debate in the Assembly on Wednesday over amoebic meningoencephalitis, a disease which has been causing public health concern in Kerala, turned out to be a damp squib with the Opposition United Democratic Front staging a walkout right in the middle of the reply by Health Minister Veena George. The walkout followed a passing remark made by Ms. George about an Opposition legislator while explaining the public health measures being adopted across the State.

In the morning, as soon as a demand for an adjournment debate was made by the Opposition, Ms. George said that in the interest of public health and in order to dispel misconceptions of the public about the disease, she was willing for a discussion on the topic. This was the second day in a row that the ruling party was acceding to the Opposition’s demand for an adjournment motion.

Presenting the motion, N. Shamsuddeen pointed out that though amoebic meningoencephalitis was emerging as a serious concern, the government had so far been unable to give a clear explanation on the source of the infection or how people were contracting it. The government had failed to respond to the crisis appropriately, he said.