Diarrhoea claims two more lives in Patiala’s Alipur Arian

With two more suspected deaths due to diarrhoea outbreak at Alipur Arian in Patiala, the number of fatalities has reached four. As many as 107 residents have been taken ill so far.

While Gurvinder Singh, 78, passed away during treatment at Rajindra Hospital, 60-year-old Nirmala, who showed the symptoms of diarrhoea, died at her home.

Today, civic authorities snapped two illegal water connections that were found connected with a sewage pipeline in the affected locality.

Moreover, all eight water samples collected from separate spots failed purity test. Even water being provided through water tankers in the affected locality failed purity test, said an official.

Director Health Services Dr Hitinder Kaur visited the affected area to assess the situation on the ground. “Immediate measures are being taken to prevent further spread. Contaminated water remains the prime suspect,” she said.

Deputy Commissioner Dr Preeti Yadav has constituted a fact-finding committee comprising the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, officials of the Health Department, Patiala Municipal Corporation and Water Supply and Sewerage Board to investigate the source of contamination and enforce corrective actions.

The diarrhoea outbreak was first reported on June 28 with the death of 70-year-old Tara Devi, followed by her 2-year-old granddaughter Chandni on July 1.

Meanwhile, two senior medical officers of Mata Kaushalya Hospital have been directed to submit a report within two days into the allegations against a doctor who is accused of delaying treatment of a patient while allegedly having tea and biscuits with staff — a lapse that may have contributed to the worsening of the patient’s condition.

BJP demands resignation of Health Minister

BJP Mahila Morcha president Jai Inder Kaur staged a dharna outside the residence of Health Minister Balbir Singh and sought his resignation over diarrhoea outbreak.

Jai Inder Kaur said, “The condition of healthcare in the state has worsened drastically. Yet, the Punjab Government and Health Minister continue to turn a blind eye.”

She added, “In Alipur, several people have been hospitalised due to diarrhoea outbreak. Stray animals can be seen roaming inside Alipur dispensary, exposing the seriousness of the government.”

Punjab