Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, Dec 26: In an effort to make up for the damage, the public health department has taken up several measures to control jaundice epidemic in Sambalpur, the latest being free treatment at all Community Health Centres (CHC).
The disease has assumed epidemic proportions within a short span claiming 17 lives and affecting at least 1,400 persons, as per official records.
According to unofficial sources, the toll has touched 28 and affected over 2,000 persons. After the outbreak in the city, the health department has deployed hundreds of health workers having experience in treating and generating awareness about the disease. Also free treatment is being provided at the district headquarter hospital.
Recently, as the disease has spread to the rural areas, the public health department has planned to provide free healthcare facilities to jaundice-affected persons at the CHC level.
“The affected persons being treated at the CHCs are residents of Sambalpur. The disease has not been reported from rural areas. However, we have provided additional facilities at the CHCs for treatment of patients with symptoms of jaundice,” said public health director Kailash Dash.
A two-member team from New Delhi which is currently in Sambalpur has analysed the situation Friday and will report to the government for further steps.
Dash further informed Orissa POST the health workers are rigorously doing their bit by continuously sensitising people and visiting houses to check the chloride level in the water being used by the people. “The operations by the health workers will continue at the ground level till the situation comes under control,” assured Dash. (See also Page 6)
