More than 25 cases of jaundice, also known as hepatitis, have been reported in the Bharwana and surrounding areas of the Sulah Assembly constituency in Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh. A significant number of those affected are schoolchildren, raising concern among local residents and officials.
MLA Demands Immediate Government Action
BJP State Vice-President and Sulah MLA Vipin Singh Parmar on Saturday urged the Himachal Pradesh government to take immediate and effective measures to contain the outbreak. He described the situation as alarming and called for urgent intervention from both the Health Department and the Jal Shakti Department.
Parmar stated that if contaminated drinking water is found to be the source of the infection, an impartial scientific investigation should be conducted and those responsible held accountable. He emphasized that the issue is not limited to the Health Department but also raises serious concerns about the functioning of the Jal Shakti Department.
Comprehensive Response Demanded
The MLA called for a comprehensive response, including the provision of safe alternative drinking water, regular testing of all water sources, chlorination of water supplies, and the organization of special medical camps in the affected villages to prevent further spread of the disease.
Parmar said he had directed the Block Medical Officer (BMO) of Bharwana and officials of the Jal Shakti Department to maintain continuous surveillance in the affected areas, ensure proper medical treatment for patients, and immediately examine drinking water sources while providing safe potable water to residents. He stressed that negligence in matters concerning public health would not be tolerated and urged all departments to work in close coordination for a swift and effective response.
Call for Transparency and Prevention
Parmar further said the health of people living in rural areas should remain the government's highest priority. He demanded a transparent inquiry into the outbreak, early identification of the actual cause, and public release of the investigation report to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Health Department Response
Meanwhile, BMO Bharwana Dr. Naveen Rana said that sporadic jaundice cases during the monsoon season are not unusual. According to preliminary assessment, contaminated drinking water appears to be the likely source of the infection.
Dr. Rana said the Health Department is treating the matter with utmost seriousness. Medical teams have been deployed in the affected areas for continuous monitoring, patients are receiving appropriate treatment and care, and water samples are being tested in coordination with the Jal Shakti Department.
Dr. Rana appealed to residents to drink only boiled or safe drinking water, maintain proper hygiene, and immediately visit the nearest health institution if symptoms of jaundice appear.
