Goof-up: ‘Ghaggar’s polluted water causing Hepatitis C’

Tribune News Service

Fatehabad, December 30

An improper brief from the local authorities and in his bid to address multiple issues, Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar landed into an embarrassing situation, when he said his government would ensure that Ghaggar river passing through Ratia was free of pollution as it was causing Hepatitis C among locals.

At the Fatehabad open darbar, Khattar was making announcements on new development projects to be launched in the district. Before this meeting, Khattar sat through another meeting with district officials, including senior doctors and Health Department officials, where all announcements were reportedly discussed.

The CM mixed his facts and went on to tell the audience that the disease had spread in Ratia due to the polluted Ghaggar river, and his government would ensure that the river was cleaned so that the spread of Hepatitis C could be checked.

Hepatitis C is caused when a person comes in contact with the blood of an infected person. The infected blood has the highest concentration of the virus, so a small trace of blood can cause the infection.

Dr Viney Singla said, “Hepatitis C virus is spread primarily by blood-to-blood contact associated with intravenous drug use, poorly sterilised medical equipment, and transfusions. Polluted water cannot cause the disease.”

A polluted Ghaggar and rising cases of Hepatitis C are the top problems faced by Ratia residents. In his bid to address the issues and problems faced by the locals, Khattar mixed-up the information, which lead to the embarrassing situation.