A sudden spurt in diarrhoea cases in the last ten days has set alarm bells ringing in Ghanaur area. About 110 cases of diarrhoea have been reported at the civil hospital in Ghanaur during this period.
Four people were admitted in the hospital on Friday alone. And a 50-year-old man from the region, Avtar Singh, succumbed to the condition.
Civil surgeon Dr Varinder Mohi blamed it on the contaminated drinking water in the area. It is reported that the residents of a slum basti (ward number 10) were using illegal water connections from the main drinking water supply. "Due to this the drinking water in the entire area got contaminated weakening the immune system of the residents," said Mohi.
The scorching heat is adding to the woes of the patients. The residents alleged that despite complaints they are still not sure about the quality of the drinking water. "Despite so many cases of diarrhoea they are not even chlorinating the water," said a villager.
On Friday, the health authorities finally swang into action. The officials of health department, Punjab Water Supply and Sewerage Board (PWSSB) and Punjab Water Supply and Sanitation (PWSS) department held a meeting to oversee the remedial steps being taken.
{{/usCountry}}On Friday, the health authorities finally swang into action. The officials of health department, Punjab Water Supply and Sewerage Board (PWSSB) and Punjab Water Supply and Sanitation (PWSS) department held a meeting to oversee the remedial steps being taken.
{{/usCountry}}The department officials have now started a door-to-door campaign to find more cases of diarrheoa. "We are providing them IV fluids, antibiotics and chlorine tablets. We are also telling them about the symptoms and causes of the disease," said an official.
Meanwhile, deputy commissioner GK Singh has sought a detailed report on the matter. He has directed executive engineers of PWSSB and PWSS to visit the affected area and to ensure clean drinking water.