Rayagada district has once again witnessed the deadly grip of malaria, claiming the life of a young student.
Nine-year-old Joysen Kandagari, a fourth-grade student from Atada High School, succumbed to the disease while undergoing treatment at Berhampur Medical College.
Joysen, son of Jahan and Sarita Kandagari of Bada Kashapadu village, had joined his school hostel on June 29. By July 5, he fell severely ill and was rushed to Jemadeipentha Community Health Centre, where tests confirmed malaria. Despite initial medication, his condition worsened, leading to his admission at Rayagada District Headquarters Hospital on July 7. Doctors later referred him to Berhampur due to critical complications.
Accompanied by teachers and family, Joysen reached Berhampur late that night. Tragically, despite ongoing treatment, he was declared dead at 6 a.m. today. His body is being brought back to his village amid an atmosphere of grief and outrage.
The incident has sparked questions about the district’s preparedness against malaria, especially in residential schools. Despite recurring outbreaks during the monsoon, preventive measures remain inadequate. Locals point out that even after 34 years of Rayagada’s formation, the district hospital lacks advanced facilities to treat malaria, forcing patients to depend on Berhampur.
Community voices now demand immediate health camps, hostel sanitisation, and stronger preventive action to safeguard children. Joysen’s untimely death has become a grim reminder of systemic gaps in healthcare and administrative vigilance.
