Nabarangapur: There is just one tube well on the premises of Nabarangpur District Headquarters Hospital (DHH) to provide safe drinking water to hundreds of patients.
Although contaminated water is stated to be the source of many diseases, the DHH pays little attention to it.
The only tube well on DHH compound can hardly meet the demand of patients. Since the bore-well surrounding is unhygienic, none would ever think of going near the place, let alone fetch water from it.
But every day patients and their attendants are seen taking bath near the tube well. Attendants also cook near it and utensils and dishes are washed nearby.
Moreover, a water purifier is placed near the chamber of the additional district medical officer and it is installed at an inconspicuous place which the patients and their relatives cannot see. A water purifier is also available for the doctors and staff, but that cannot be used by the patients.
Chief district medical officer Saroj Nayak said clean water is essential to check diseases. Asked about the water available on the hospital campus, he said he was not aware of the problem. “I will take steps to ensure patients get clean, safe drinking water,” he said.
PNN
