Agartala, July 1 (TIWN): The malaria epidemic today killed two more, raising the cumulative death toll rise to 57.

Over 1,400 more patients were freshly diagnosed with malaria parasite across the state today, an official communiqué from the Department of Health and Family Welfare said. It added that out of 1,363 patients admitted in different hospitals and healthcare centers across the state today, 617 were found to have contacted malaria.

Director of Family Welfare and Preventive Medicine Dr. KL Bhowmik said later this evening that Sekhar Marak (27), son of Vinod Marak from Machli area in Dhalai district died on his way to RGM sub-divisional hospital from Manu Community Health Center (CHC). Barun Das (25), son of Atindra Das from 100 card in Radhanagar area of South Tripura district died at Belonia sub-divisional hospital on the same day.

In a sharp reaction to the absence of Sub-Divisional Medical Officer (SDMO) Dr. Dilip Kumar Roy from his assigned duty-station at the Amarpur sub-divisional hospital, the Department today took stern action by suspending the erring official. The state government earlier cancelled all holidays and leave permissions of health department officials and personnel in the wake of malaria outbreak.

Few Multi Purpose Workers (MPW) serving at Ampi Community Health Centre were suspended as disciplinary action for absence on duty as well. Japil Sadhan Jamatia of Nagrai Health sub-centre under Ampi CHC, Dipak Debbarma of Tetuibari health sub-centre and Motilal Noatia of Chechua health sub centre under Ompi CHC were suspended as a part of the move.

The official reassured assured that the treatment protocol recommended by Government of India for Tripura and other states of the NE states would be properly followed. All ASHA workers and Multi-Purpose Workers (MPW) are now working properly in the field, he added.