Amid reports of multiple gastroenteritis cases in the Jagti migrant camp on the outskirts of Jammu city, authorities have directed that an advisory be issued to members of the displaced community residing in the camp.
Officials of the Jal Shakti and Health Departments apprised that all possible steps are being taken to ensure the supply of safe drinking water and adequate healthcare. It was also informed that the initial water samples collected have revealed the water quality to be satisfactory.
The Health Department has been asked to circulate an advisory for residents of the migrant camps regarding preventive measures.
Authorities in Jammu have ordered urgent testing of drinking water samples in the Jagti and Nagrota migrant camps following reports of gastroenteritis cases.
The Office of the Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner (Migrants), Jammu, has directed the Executive Engineer, Jal Shakti Department, Migrant Camps Jagti and Nagrota, to immediately collect and test water samples from both camps to ascertain the cause of the illness.
The department said the samples must be examined for microbial contamination, including coliform bacteria, as well as for physical and chemical impurities. The matter has been marked as most urgent, indicating serious concerns over public health and safety.
The letter states that the findings of the laboratory analysis should be shared with the Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner's office at the earliest. Authorities have also been instructed to ensure that the drinking water supplied to the camps is safe and free from microbes and other harmful impurities.
Officials said the directive follows reported cases of gastroenteritis among inhabitants of the migrant camps, prompting fears of possible water contamination.
The migrant camps at Jagti and Nagrota house a large number of displaced families, and officials said timely testing and corrective measures are crucial to prevent the further spread of water-borne diseases.
BJP reaches out to higher-ups
Meanwhile, senior BJP leader Chetan Wanchoo, accompanied by a delegation of Samaj Seva Samiti, Jagti, met Director Health Services, Dr. Abdul Hamid Zargar, and brought to his notice the alarming conditions and severe shortcomings prevailing at Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Jagti, which, he said, is failing to meet even the basic healthcare needs of the local population.
Wanchoo informed the Director that in recent days, there has been a sharp rise in gastroenteritis cases in the migrant camps of Jagti and Nagrota, resulting in a large influx of patients being admitted to SDH Jagti. He stated that due to an acute shortage of doctors, nurses, and supporting staff, patients are being denied timely and proper medical attention.
"This gross negligence has created deep public anger and unrest among the people, who feel completely abandoned by the Health Department," Wanchoo told The International Business Times after meeting the Director of Health Services, Jammu.
"If immediate corrective steps are not taken, the situation could spiral into a major health disaster," he cautioned, and pointed out that rabies cases are on the rise in Jagti, primarily due to the unchecked menace of stray dogs and monkeys in the area.
He expressed serious concern and disappointment over the fact that SDH Jagti is facing a shortage of anti-rabies vaccines, calling it a shocking failure of the system. He emphasised that the non-availability of such a critical vaccine is unacceptable and puts innocent lives, especially those of children, at grave risk.
Taking cognisance of the serious issues raised, Director Health Services Dr. Abdul Hamid Zargar assured the delegation that the staff shortage would be addressed at the earliest. He also informed them that anti-rabies vaccines had been provided immediately and assured them that all other genuine demands and issues would be resolved on a priority basis.
