Fourth‑Grade Boy’s Death Sparks Outcry in Rayagada

Rayagada, Odisha: A tragic incident has shaken the community after nine‑year‑old Joysen Kandagari, a fourth‑grade student of Atada High School hostel, succumbed to malaria while undergoing treatment at Berhampur Medical College.

Joysen joined the hostel on June 29 but fell ill on July 5.

He was diagnosed with malaria at Jemadeipentha Community Health Centre and later admitted to Rayagada District Headquarters Hospital.

As his condition worsened, he was referred to Berhampur, where he passed away on July 14 at 6 a.m.

The incident has sparked grief and outrage, with locals demanding urgent preventive measures in residential schools.

Concerns have been raised about inadequate healthcare infrastructure in Rayagada, where district facilities lack advanced treatment options, forcing reliance on Berhampur.

Community members are calling for immediate health camps, hostel sanitisation drives, and stronger malaria prevention strategies, especially during the monsoon season.

The tragedy underscores systemic gaps in healthcare and administrative vigilance in the region.