The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought an action-taken report (ATR) from the Health Secretary of Odisha and Baleswar Collector over diarrhoea-related deaths in Oupada area.
Supreme Court lawyer and rights activist Radhakanta Tripathy filed a petition in the NHRC stating at least seven persons, including two women, died of diarrhoea while 26 persons were affected in a remote village under Oupada block. As there was no safe drinking water the residents are forced to consume contaminated water and are getting affected by the waterborne disease. Some of the deceased were identified as Sanatan Khandei (60), Pabitra Senapati (58) and Sasmita Patra (14) of Aguana Sahi in Aghirapada panchayat.
At least three died due to delay in treatment. Having a population of nearly 1,000, the village has no facility for safe drinking water. The villagers, mostly poor and SC ST people, are deprived of road and communication facilities. People fall victim to diseases since they are unable to reach hospital in time.
Tripathy also said that the absence/inadequacy of doctors at local and nearby hospitals delayed the treatment. He demanded proper compensation for the deceased due to negligence and failure of the Government authorities.
He requested the NHRC to investigate the case, direct the Chief Secretary, the Health Secretary of Odisha and the district administration of Baleswar to send a detailed report and take legal action against the errant officials.