Hirakud: In the wake of a diarrhoea outbreak in Hirakud town of Odisha’s Sambalpur district, another patient succumbed to the water-borne disease on Sunday, prompting Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to urgently request medical assistance from the Centre. With the recent death of Judhisthir Dhurua during treatment in a local hospital, the toll due to the outbreak has climbed to two, intensifying concerns over the health crisis gripping the region.
Hirakud, a town located in Sambalpur, has been grappling with a surge in diarrhoea cases, affecting over 150 individuals in the past four days. The deceased, hailing from Bhojpali locality, adds to the distressing situation that has left the community in shock and panic. Previously, a 43-year-old man named Tikeswar Nayak from Kalupada lost his life to the disease on Saturday while receiving medical care at VIMSAR in Burla.
Suspected to stem from contaminated water sources, the outbreak has primarily affected residents of slum areas in Hirakud, including Kalupada, Kadampada, Gurudwarpada, and Gandhi Nagar. The influx of patients has overwhelmed local healthcare facilities, prompting the transfer of some individuals to VIMSAR for advanced treatment. Over consecutive days, the number of admissions surged, with 36 patients on March 21, followed by 42 on March 22, and 49 on the subsequent day.
Expressing grave concern over the escalating health crisis, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has urged the Centre to dispatch a medical team to Sambalpur for immediate intervention. In a letter addressed to Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Pradhan emphasized the urgency of containing the outbreak and preventing further casualties. Suspecting contaminated drinking water as the primary cause, he highlighted community concerns regarding the compromised quality of water pipes, attributing leakages to exacerbating the situation, particularly impacting vulnerable demographics such as children and the elderly.
Pradhan’s plea to Mandaviya underscores the need for swift action, calling for the deployment of a central medical team to offer urgent medical aid to affected individuals. Additionally, he urged for a comprehensive investigation into the root cause of the outbreak and the initiation of a robust public health awareness campaign to stem the disease’s spread. The Minister’s proactive engagement with local health authorities underscores a collective effort to address the crisis and safeguard the well-being of the affected populace.
As the diarrhoea outbreak in Hirakud continues to pose significant health risks, Pradhan’s appeal for central assistance reflects a concerted response to mitigate the immediate impact and prevent further escalation of the crisis. Amidst mounting challenges, coordinated efforts between local and national authorities remain pivotal in delivering timely relief and restoring normalcy to the affected community.
