Bhubaneswar- Leader of Opposition and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) President Naveen Patnaik has issued a strong appeal to the Odisha Government, urging immediate and decisive measures to tackle the alarming rise in cholera cases across multiple districts in the state.
Taking to social media platform ‘X’, the former Chief Minister expressed grave concern over the rapidly deteriorating public health situation. Patnaik remarked that such a widespread cholera outbreak has not been witnessed in Odisha in recent years and warned the authorities against complacency, stating that lives must not be put at risk due to governmental inaction.
Patnaik highlighted that the outbreak has intensified in districts including Jajpur, Kendrapara, Bhadrak, Puri, Cuttack, and Keonjhar, with reports indicating that the disease is spreading to adjacent areas. He also shared his deep sorrow over the reported loss of 14 lives to cholera, extending heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. “I am devastated by the tragic deaths. The government must wake up before more lives are lost,” he added.
The BJD chief did not hold back in his criticism of the state administration, accusing it of taking the health emergency lightly. This alleged indifference has sparked concern among health experts and citizens alike, with calls for an urgent overhaul of the state’s disease response strategy.
In a related development, the Bhuban block in Dhenkanal district is grappling with a spurt in diarrhoea cases. Over 30 people suffering from diarrhoea and vomiting have been admitted to the local Bhuban hospital, raising fears of a possible outbreak.
Public Health Director Dr. Nilakantha Mishra provided the latest figures from the hardest-hit district of Jajpur. As of Saturday, a total of 1,516 patients had been admitted with symptoms linked to cholera and related illnesses. Of these, 1,306 have been discharged, while 210 patients remain under treatment in various hospitals.
With the monsoon season further aggravating the threat of waterborne diseases, health officials are on high alert. Sanitation drives, awareness campaigns, and access to clean drinking water are being viewed as critical to containing the outbreak.
As public pressure mounts, all eyes are now on the Odisha Government’s next course of action. The Opposition’s call for accountability has intensified the political spotlight on what is emerging as a major health crisis in the state.
