The people in tribal areas of Andhra Pradesh are suffering from heavy attack of malaria in epidemic proportions since July resulting in a high increase in child and mother mortality. Many deaths have been reported in media too, but no concrete measure has been taken up by the government so far. The CPI(ML) protested this insensitivity in Kakinada of East Godavari district on 5 September by holding a day-long dharna. CPI(ML) Central Committee member Comrade Murthi addressed the Dharana and said that large number of vacancies of medical staff have not been filled up and sufficient medicines are not available in the hospitals. Com Bugata Bangararao, party state secretary demanded that the state government must set up hospitals with at least hundred beds in every mandal in tribal areas with required facilities. He also demanded to declare health emergency in these areas and that the steps like distribution of mosquito nets be taken up promptly. It was also demanded to pay compensation for the families who suffered due to loss of their kin by malaria. Party East Godavari District Secretary K. Ganesh, Yenugupati Arujunarao, tribal leader Rechukatala Simhachalam, M. Lachababu, P. Narasaraju also addressed the dharana.
