SAMBALPUR: Fresh cases of the debilitating Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) have been reported from new areas of Sambalpur district as reports of death show no signs of abating.
Though fluoride contaminated water is suspected to be the cause, no chemical analysis of water has been conducted leaving villagers as well as patients in the region worried. Neither VIMSAR, the only major government healthcare facility, has doctors nor do people have the resources to travel to Bhubaneswar or Cuttack for treatment.
While the State Government has failed to ensure safe drinking water supply in the affected pockets, it has not undertaken a study to ascertain the cause of the rising number of CKD cases.
As safe drinking water remains a distant dream in many villages, Dakra gram panchayat in Maneswar block is one among the affected.
A study by Red Cross in the village has revealed that three persons have died of CKD in the last three months while four lost their lives in neighbouring Dhaunrakhaman village.
As per reports, 12 persons are currently suffering from CKD in Dakra village alone while another five cases have been reported from four other villages under the GP. Ironically, the Health Sub Centre in the GP is closed in absence of doctors while there are no paramedical staff to conduct tests or create awareness among the villagers.
Adding to the agony of the patients, VIMSAR struggles with large-scale vacancies. A senior resident of Medicine Department has been managing the Nephrology Department in the absence of a Nephrologist. With no doctor and a spiraling treatment cost, the patients are dying a slow death.
On February 1, Narayan Sahu (36) of Dakra died due to CKD. His wife Pushpanjali said he was diagnosed with CKD and after taking medicines for sometime, Narayan was advised to go for dialysis. He died while undergoing dialysis for the second time. Nagar Bhoi (63), Upendra Majhi, Bimaleswar Behera, his wife Baidehi and the couple’s son Pabitra of the village share Narayan’s story.
Similarly, Dasrath Bag, Prahallad Bag, Santosh Bhoi and Krushna Bag of Dhaunrakhaman village also died of kidney ailment. The chronic disease has spread its tentacles to Purnapani, Jaduloisingh, Jhariadera and Golabhanga villages under Dakra GP.
Secretary, Red Cross, Sambalpur, Joy George said the study has pointed to impending danger and an alarming situation. District Collector Samarth Verma has been apprised about the situation and he has directed the Chief District Medical Officer and the Project Director to ascertain the cause, George added.
The disease has left behind several young widows with children who need to be provided livelihood opportunities to sustain their families, George said pointing to the pathetic lives they are leading.