Jaundice claims another life in Kurukshetra; toll now 3

Tribune News Service

Kurukshetra, January 27

With another suspected jaundice death, the number of deaths due to jaundice has increased to three due to the contaminated water supply at Sector 3 of the Housing Board area of Thanesar. With six fresh cases coming to light, the number of jaundice cases jumped to 75 on Monday.

The deceased has been identified as Sanjeev (41). He was undergoing treatment at a hospital in Panchkula. After being referred, he died while he was on his way to Delhi.

Deputy Civil Surgeon SK Sahota said, “One more leakage was detected in Rampur area. We have traced 16 leakages in water pipes so far which have been rectified by the department concerned. A team of 200 people from the Health Department has been deployed in the area. Our teams are going from house to house to check patients and detect leakages. They are going to private nursing homes to get details of patients who have been admitted there. Besides these steps, 20 doctors and 10 lab technicians are also on duty.

“We visited the house of the person who has died. A letter has been sent to the hospital where he was under treatment so that the cause of death could be ascertained.

“On Monday, 290 blood samples were taken. About 7,000 Halazone tablets have been distributed in the area. The chlorination in water has been increased,” he added.

Congress leader Ashok Arora visited the area, criticised the administration and sought compensation for affected families.

Members of residents’ welfare society have demanded action against the “officials guilty for the situation”. The residents said that they are still getting contaminated and muddy water. The officials of the Haryana Shehri Vikas Pradhikaran have failed to tackle the situation, they alleged.

Deputy Commissioner Dhirendra Khadgata visited the affected area and held a meeting with the officials. He directed the officials of Haryana Shehri Vikas Pradhikaran to ensure proper water supply.

Meanwhile, MLA Subhash Sudha said that the matter would be investigated and action would be taken against the officials of the department concerned.

He said, “Death due to jaundice is a serious issue and I have asked the Deputy Commissioner to investigate the matter through a committee and take appropriate action.