Health problems plague agitators

Workers of the Sadhu Jana Vimochana Samyukta Vedi (SJVSV) who have been waging a struggle for land for the last 18 months in the Kurumbatty division of the Kumbazha Estate of Harrisons Malayalam Ltd. are facing serious health problems.Many cases of water-borne diseases such as jaundice, dysentery with fever, typhoid, etc., have been reported from the water-scarce hilly tracts of Chengara. More than 100 people, including women and children, who are taking part in the agitation have been admitted to various hospitals in the past one week with symptoms of fever and dysentery, said Mr. Gopalan.According to informed sources at the District Medical Office here, 22 patients from Chengara have been admitted to the Pathanamthitta General during the past one week. Many others have been administered treatment in the out-patient wing of the hospital.Thirteen persons, including Vedi general secretary Ms. Seleena, were admitted to the General Hospital on Sunday. Medical officers said the majority of patients from Chengara were brought to the hospital in a highly dehydrated condition. A typical case with mixed symptoms of typhoid and diarrhoea has also been identified among the patients.Ms. Seleena accused the Health Department of criminal negligence in providing timely medical care to the affected people, despite the Chief Minister's directive in this regard.District Collector P.C. Sanalkumar told The Hindu that his directive to the District Medical Officer 17 days ago to reach medical aid to the ailing people at Chengara had not yet been complied with. A copy of the note issued to the DMO has been sent to the Director of Health Services, he added.Mr. Sanalkumar said "criminal proceedings would be initiated against the DMO under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code, if she continued to defy the directives of the District Magistrate."The DMO said the Health Department could not hold a medical camp at Chengara owing to the road blockade launched by the Joint Trade Union Action Council at Athumbamkulam.She said a medical camp had been planned at Chengara on Tuesday and its venue would be finalised in consultation with the police authorities. Necessary steps should be taken to reach safe drinking water to the affected area to check waterborne disease from spreading to more areas, she added.

The Hindu,7^th October 2008