Khariar: Saragadi village under Khariar block of Risigaon panchayat in Nuapada district has been suffering from a severe outbreak of a kidney-related ailment. More than 20 people have already lost their lives and over 50 others are currently affected by the disease. Sources said that the ailment has affected more or less every family in the village.
In most cases, it is the elderly who are suffering. However, in some families, even the youngsters are bearing the brunt of the disease. Sources said that the reason behind the increase in kidney-related ailments is yet to be ascertained, but some pointed out that the cause could be due to drinking polluted water. The disease is spreading at an alarming rate and most people have died as they did not have the money for treatment. Many families have been forced to sell off their belongings to cover treatment costs. Sources said that Sangeeta Bag, a resident of the village, has lost her husband, brother-in-law, and father-in-law to a kidney-related disease in the recent past and is now living the life of a pauper. The lackadaisical attitude of the district administration has also added to the woes of the villagers. The villagers have asked the administration to provide them with water from the Tikhali dam – a major irrigation project in the area. They have already discussed the matter with sarpanch Biranchi Nag. They are hoping that their pleas will be addressed soon.
Among others suffering from the kidney-related ailment in the village are Urmila Bag, Samanta Bag, Kunti Bag, Khyamanand Mahanand, Giridhari Thela, Hruda Shabara, Hrushi Ghibela, Shambhu Bag, and Dheer Durga. Villagers have said that if the administration does not step in, the situation could turn for the worse in the future. When this correspondent approached the Khariar community health centre doctor, Dr Ranjit Rout, he assured that a camp would be set up in the village soon and proper action would be taken regarding the matter. Villagers are also hoping that steps will be taken soon to control the outbreak.
