Hooch tragedy: Timely action by Health Department saves 17 lives in Majitha area

Even as the hooch tragedy in the Majitha area claimed 27 lives, the swift intervention by the Health Department potentially averted a far greater disaster. Health officials confirmed that 17 people were saved after being treated in time, thanks to an aggressive door-to-door medical campaign across the affected villages.

According to Dr Kirandeep Kaur, Civil Surgeon of Amritsar, medical teams were deployed daily from May 12 to 16 in eight severely affected villages of Bhangali Kalan, Threawal, Marari Kalan, Talwandi Khuman, Bhangwan, Karnala, Galowali Kullian and Patalpuri. A total of 406 individuals, who had consumed the spurious liquor were screened during this period.

“These teams went from house to house, conducting medical checkups, raising awareness and referring critical patients to higher medical facilities like Government Medical College,” said Dr Kirandeep. “Without this rapid response, the death toll could have been much higher.”

Health Department staff, including both medical and paramedical personnel, played a crucial role by promptly identifying symptoms such as vomiting, dizziness, blurred vision, palpitations and difficulty in breathing — all potential signs of methanol poisoning from contaminated liquor. In coordination with the district administration, the Health Department also launched a public announcement campaign within the villages, urging residents to avoid any form of alcohol consumption and to immediately report any suspicious symptom.

“The real success story here is the collaboration between health workers, the district administration and the community itself. The 17 persons who were in serious condition were referred to hospitals in time and have now returned to their normal routines,” added Dr Kirandeep.

Senior health officials who supervised the operations included District Immunisation Officer Bharti Dhawan, District Health Officer Jaspal Singh, Senior Medical Officers Shivkaran Singh Kahlon and Satnam Singh as well as Block Extension Educator Ranjit Kumar and Amarjeet Singh from the district team.

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Amritsar