Health Dept issues advisory to combat water-borne diseases

Tribune News Service

Muktsar, August 23

Taking note of the news report published in The Tribune titled “73% water samples fail test in Muktsar”, Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Muktsar, Dr Jagdeep Chawla, issued an advisory and urged the public to consume water from trusted sources.

“The water sample test results show that one should not drink water from a random source. It should be ensured that the water is potable before its consumption,” Chawla said.

“Further, I urge area residents to take precautions to avoid water-borne diseases. I have instructed heads of health institutions in the district to raise awareness regarding diseases that occur during the monsoon,” the CMO said.

He further added that water should be first boiled, cooled and then consumed. One must wash their hands regularly to control infection. Further, if anyone has fever or diarrhoea, they should immediately contact the nearest health institution. If more than three cases of infection are reported in any particular area, the nearest government health institution should be immediately informed.

Notably, the Punjab State Human Rights Commission had taken a suo motu cognisance of The Tribune report on Wednesday and asked the authorities concerned to submit a report in this regard on or before September 25. It was mentioned in the report that 33 of the total 45 water samples randomly lifted by the Health Department from public places from January 1 to June 30 this year were found non-potable.

Meanwhile, Dr Harkirtan Singh, District Epidemiologist, Muktsar, said: “In case of vomiting or diarrhoea during monsoon, oral rehydration solution should be consumed, which is provided by the Health Department for free. Further, chlorine tablets are also provided to disinfect water.”