Mahendragunj (Meghalaya): State health minister AL Hek has said that the government is aware of widespread 'skin disease' that is prevalent across Mahendragunj area and few other parts of Garo Hills, but ruled out it "epidemic".
"It is not epidemic, it is endemic," the minister said on Tuesday.
Hek said that there have been so many types of fungal infections and people are suffering from one or other kind of skin disease.
Asked about the over 40 patients being brought to Guwahati by VASU for treatment, he said VASU is a voluntary organisation and helping people which is good.
"Doctors from the state have visited and the report is very clear, it is not an outbreak, the disease has been there for almost a year now," Hek said.
He further informed that medicines are being supplied regularly to the affected area and maintained that awareness and prevention are more important than cure, adding that this is an ongoing process undertaken by the state government in the area.
However, an infected patient said, "We are not cured so far. We had gone to the hospital and doctor gave us some medicines including tablets and ointment but nothing happened."
Another victim suffering from the disease said, "At first, I thought it was some virus. We took medicines but it didn't work. I want to request the government to make efforts for its treatment to be made available here."
The disease is contagious and has taken state's Mahendragunj area in the Garo Hills into its grip.
Many people including women and children in the Garo hills have been infected by it.
The disease resembles eczema and it appears as rashes and dry patches in the underarm, belly areas, skin of inner joints and shoulders.
Despite all the claims of authorities that the disease is not an outbreak and they are taking steps to cure it, the infected people have alleged that the government has done nothing gain control over the situation so far.
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