Open house: public health is sole responsibility of govt or residents also have a role to play?

Shared Responsibility in public Health

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In the wake of the 22 suspected jaundice cases in Kaunke Kalan, it becomes clear that the responsibilities of health authorities and citizens are two sides of the same coin. No doubt, health authorities have a crucial role in ensuring water safety — regular checks, strict enforcement of hygiene standards, and immediate action on contaminated sources are essential, especially when it comes to collecting water samples from roadside vendors. However, citizens also share responsibility. In today’s world, where outbreaks of water-borne diseases are common, people should be mature enough to choose wisely what and where to eat. Consuming roadside food without checking for basic hygiene or clean water usage is a risk, and we cannot place the blame solely on health authorities. Ultimately, this should not be a blame game, but a matter of shared responsibility. The government must spread awareness and ensure stricter monitoring, while people must adopt better hygienic practices and take responsibility for their food choices. Only with mutual efforts can such health scares be prevented. Public health begins with both good governance and mindful citizens.

Japleen Kaur

Proactive Measures for Jaundice Control

Some important suggestions to check and control the spread of jaundice cases in Ludhiana include that individuals must wash hands, avoid untreated water, and choose safe food vendors. Moreover, reporting suspicious vendors or symptoms early can help curb outbreaks. One must avoid obviously unhygienic street food (like golgappa with untreated water), treating it as a personal duty. Authorities must be held responsible if water samples fail, as it reflects lapses in municipal water testing or vendor licensing. One contaminated vendor can infect dozens, so we must take care of it. There must be a campaign to make citizens aware of the risks associated with cheap street food. Citizens must exercise caution, while health authorities hold the greater responsibility for preventing outbreaks through proactive regulation, infrastructure maintenance, and rapid response. A jaundice outbreak signals systemic failure; individual vigilance alone cannot substitute for institutional accountability.

Farzana Khan

Maintain Equilibrium in Responsibility

The case of 22 suspected jaundice cases in Kaunke Kalan and the failure of a sample from the golgappa vendor raises questions about health and responsibility. Many villages in India face severe health issues due to the government’s failure to provide clean drinking water. The question arises: who is responsible, citizens or the government? It is essential to recognize that no one can be blamed fully, as it is a shared responsibility to take proactive steps for disease prevention. Health authorities must ensure water safety by taking extensive steps to purify it. Citizens also need to be educated about hygiene and be careful about food choices. There must be an equilibrium between health authorities and citizens to achieve the goal of providing clean drinking water for everyone.

Bakhspreet Kaur

Onus lies on Health Authorities

The responsibility for ensuring safe water and food safety is shared between health authorities and citizens, but the greater accountability lies with health authorities for several key reasons: First, health authorities are mandated to enforce food and water safety standards, conduct regular inspections, and penalize violators (like the golgappa vendor with contaminated water). Second, ensuring a clean water supply, proper sewage systems, and sanitation falls under government responsibility. Third, in cases of jaundice outbreaks, authorities must identify sources, issue advisories, and take preventive actions (e.g., sealing unsafe vendors, chlorinating water). Fourth, while citizens must practice hygiene, authorities should actively educate the public on risks (e.g., avoiding street water-based foods). Fifth, citizens must cooperate with local authorities to curb the spread of jaundice in the city and maintain cleanliness.

Dr Mohd Saleem Farooqui

Authorities, Citizens need to work in tandem

Both health authorities and citizens have significant responsibilities in preventing waterborne diseases like jaundice. Health authorities must ensure that water sources are safe and free from contamination, which includes regular monitoring and testing of water quality. In India, the right to clean water is a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution. Authorities should implement measures to prevent untreated sewage and pollutants from entering water sources. Educating the public about waterborne diseases and their prevention is crucial. Citizens should practice good hygiene, such as washing hands regularly with soap and safe water, especially before eating or preparing food.

Komalpreet Kaur

Health Authorities play vital role

Drinking dirty water is a major cause of jaundice. In my opinion, it is the responsibility of both health authorities and citizens to ensure access to clean drinking water. However, the main responsibility lies with health authorities. They must ensure the supply of clean water to all citizens, take strict action against unhygienic vendors, and create awareness among people. Citizens should also be vigilant about drinking clean water and avoid food or water from unclean places. However, not everyone has the knowledge about water safety, which is why the main role must be played by the government and health departments. If both sides work together, such diseases can be controlled easily.

Prabhnoor Kaur

Need Joint Efforts for Health Safety

The recent jaundice cases in Kaunke Kalan show that both health authorities and citizens have important roles to play. Health officials must regularly test water sources, ensure street food vendors follow hygiene rules, and take quick action when problems are found. At the same time, citizens should be careful about what they eat and drink. Avoiding unsafe street food, using clean drinking water, and spreading awareness can help prevent such outbreaks. Health and safety are a shared responsibility — both must act wisely.

Prabhjot Singh

Food Safety During Monsoon crucial

With the onset of monsoon in North India, people have received respite from the June heat, but a greater worry is rising as depicted by suspected jaundice cases across the city. This is a serious health concern, and the responsibility lies with both health authorities and citizens. Citizens should avoid three main food choices: first, food from street vendors, who often prepare food in unhealthy conditions; second, cut fruits and vegetables from open stalls, as they are sources of contamination; and third, raw leafy vegetables, which can harbor microbes due to humidity. Citizens should prefer homemade food with less oil. Health authorities must conduct regular inspections and check food samples from vendors, restaurants, and hotels. They should arrange campaigns to make people aware of healthy food choices during monsoon and encourage small street vendors to follow strict hygiene practices. Strict warnings and penalties should be imposed where lapses are found. Thus, with joint efforts from citizens and authorities, this problem can be combated.

Kirandeep Kaur

Quality of Water holds key Importance

The recent outbreak of 22 suspected jaundice cases in Kaunke Kalan highlights a critical issue of water safety and hygiene. Given the failed water sample from a golgappa vendor, it’s clear that health authorities bear a significant responsibility to ensure water safety. Their role in monitoring water quality, implementing safety measures, and educating the public is crucial in preventing such outbreaks. While citizens also play a vital role in practicing good hygiene and making informed food choices, the onus lies with health authorities to provide a safe environment. By prioritizing water safety and hygiene, authorities can significantly reduce the risk of waterborne diseases like jaundice. In this context, the greater responsibility lies with health authorities to take proactive measures to prevent such outbreaks and protect public health. Effective action from authorities can help restore confidence in the community and prevent future incidents.

Jaspreet Kaur

Seek medical advice when symptoms appear

There are reports of increasing cases of suspected jaundice in certain villages near Ludhiana, particularly in Kaunke Kalan village. Health officials are actively investigating and taking measures to control the situation. The suspected cases are prompting health department teams to conduct surveys and take necessary actions. Recent reports indicate a spike in suspected jaundice cases in Kaunke Kalan village, with 15 cases reported. The health department has formed rapid response teams to survey houses, distribute chlorine tablets, and create awareness among residents. Water samples have been taken for testing, and some have been found unfit for consumption, highlighting the potential link to contaminated water. Hence, people are advised to seek medical advice whenever they feel symptoms of fever or jaundice. For this development, the state government, health department, and citizens are stakeholders, requiring collaborative efforts. None can skip their responsibilities. The health department should implement jaundice control and management measures strictly in the affected areas. People should abide by guidelines as these are for their good health. There should also be provisions for penalties for offenders. Awareness campaigns have the potential to mitigate outbreaks of jaundice among people. Authorities should provide clean water to residents, which is a crucial step to control this outbreak.

Sukhdev Sharma

Collaborative efforts need of the hour

Preventing outbreaks like the one in Kaunke Kalan requires a collaborative effort from both health authorities and citizens. However, health officials bear a bigger duty to ensure access to clean, safe water through regular monitoring, water testing, and strict action against sellers who use contaminated sources. Public health infrastructure should be proactive, not reactive. At the same time, citizens must exercise diligence and hygiene, particularly when eating street food. They should avoid buying food from unsanitary vendors and report unsafe conduct. Public awareness initiatives can play an important role in educating people. A collaborative approach is the only way forward—while authorities must enforce standards, citizens must make informed and vigilant decisions to protect their health.

Tamanpreet Kaur Khangura

Responsibility lies on residents too

The responsibility lies with both health authorities and citizens. Government health departments must ensure proper water testing, sanitation standards, and regular checks on street food vendors. Unsafe water and unhygienic practices pose serious health risks, as seen in the Kaunke Kalan jaundice outbreak. However, citizens too must be cautious and make informed choices. Eating from unlicensed or visibly unhygienic vendors should be avoided. Public awareness campaigns can help educate people about foodborne diseases and personal hygiene. While the system must enforce strict safety norms, a responsible and aware public can significantly reduce such health risks. Collective accountability is key.

Parmeet Kaur

Make Healthy Food Choices

Jaundice is a medical disorder that causes yellowing of the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes due to elevated bilirubin levels. Recently, 22 people in Kaunke Kalan were suspected of becoming ill with jaundice after eating golgappas served by a street vendor. The question is: who bears greater responsibility? Health authorities or citizen vigilance? Without a doubt, health officials must assure water safety by conducting frequent vendor inspections and promptly dismantling hazardous water sources. Unfortunately, enforcement is often lax. Citizens, on their part, must also remain vigilant in choosing where to eat, especially street food, to avert illness. Basic practices like educating oneself on hygiene and preferring vendors who use clean, boiled, or filtered water can reduce risk. In short, the larger burden lies with health authorities for building a safe food environment. However, individual vigilance is the last line of defense; each citizen must make hygienic food choices.

Novin Christopher

Issue At Hand

T He recent outbreak of 22 suspected jaundice cases in Kaunke Kalan, Ludhiana, has raised questions over accountability. Though health authorities acted swiftly, experts argue that ensuring clean drinking water and vendor hygiene is the government’s responsibility. However, citizens also play a role in maintaining public health, which is a shared responsibility. The situation calls for tighter regulations and active community awareness to prevent future outbreaks.

QUESTION for next week

Ludhiana city's traffic situation has been going haywire day by day. The police have also launched "No tolerance zone" initiative where traffic violations are not tolerated at all. What should be done to improve the traffic situation in city?

Suggestions in not more than 150 words can be sent to ludhianadesk@tribunemail.com by Thursday (July 17)