Bhubaneswar, Mar 23: Union Minister of Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday expressed grief over the loss of a life due to an outbreak of diarrhoea at Hirakud area in Odisha's Sambalpur.

Pradhan also prayed for the speedy recovery of the affected people, who are undergoing treatment at different hospitals in the city.

The Minister also spoke to Sambalpur CDMO, Dr Sujata Rani Mishra and asked her to take this sensitive issue seriously and provide proper healthcare to the affected people.

"I am saddened to hear the news of the death (of a person) due to diarrhea in the Hirakud area of ​​Sambalpur city. May the immortal soul rest in peace ! May those undergoing treatment get well soon and return home; it is a prayer near Maa Samalei," he posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

One person died and more than 120 people have been admitted at different hospitals due to an outbreak of diarrhoea at Hirakud in Odisha's Sambalpur district over the past three days.

The deceased has been identified as Tikeswar Nayak, husband of an ASHA worker of Kalupada, Hirakud.

According to sources, the first case of diarrhoea was reported on March 21 and the number continued to rise thereafter. Every day, approximately 25 to 30 diarrhoea patients are admitted to the Community Health Centre at Hirakud and VIMSAR in Burla.

The condition of as many as 13 patients suffering from the infectious disease are critical. The critical patients are undergoing treatment at VIMSAR in Burla, sources said.

The increase in the number of diarrhoea patients on the city outskirts has raised serious concern. Around seven places of the city including Kalupada, Goudpada, Tarasingh, Gurudwara Pada and New Marketpada have become hotspots for the infectious disease.

Locals alleged that the pipes through which drinking water is supplied by the government authorities have become rusty and because of this, drain water is getting mixed with drinking water causing the outbreak of diarrhoea in the city.

Notably, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik launched the 'Drink from Tap' Yojana in 18 cities, including Sambalpur, in 2022.

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