Physician’s alert for Paonta Sahib residents

Rohtash Nangia

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The proverb, “A stitch in time saves nine,” is an indication of my intentions and concern. I am practising since 2010 in Paonta Sahib. 

I have noticed a few changes in residents of the town, which range from minor physiological to major pathological changes. The changes vary according to age and sex. 

There are two main reasons for my concern: first we all are residing in a beautiful place – Paonta Sahib — which has a rich flora and fauna and a natural habitat. Second, the per capita population is also less, so hazards of overpopulation are missing. 

A few noticeable physiological changes are general weakness, pain in legs, hair fall and allergies (rhinitis and sinusitis). These are encountered very often, I guess, in every fifth person, though pain in legs and weakness are more common than this.

The pathological changes are a major concern for me because a few complaints which I often come across are PCOD (Polycystic Ovary Disease), uterine fibroid, thyroid disorders, renal concretions, gall stones, osteoarthritis, dermatitis, SLE and lastly the dangerous cancer (I guess per capita cases are more), but can’t say exactly for cancer as here cases are less in the OPD because patients usually rush to big hospitals.

These pathological diseases are of major concern because except renal concretions and gall stones are only diet related.

PCOD is affecting many young girls which makes their day-to-day lives miserable and increases the risk of infertility.

We cannot take such terms lightly.

After observing this scenario and thinking about it, I found two main reasons: first, drainage of sewage water directly into the river without treatment and second, it can be the drainage of pharmaceutical waste without proper treatment.

The government and other authorities concerned need to deal with the situation at the earliest.

To raise this concern is essential to make people aware of the situation.

These problems are increasing day by day, so checking them is necessary.

(The writer has won recognition for his excellent service to the community as a physician. He helped save lives of many dengue patients last year)