Anandapur: A kidney disease has reportedly spread in the tribal-dominated Kantipal panchayat under Anadapur block in Keonjhar district. In the last 20 days, four people have allegedly died of the disease, striking panic among locals, a report said.
According to reports, the number of kidney diseases is on the rise at Biridiha, Kantipal and Baruan villages. Though the exact reason for the outbreak of the disease is not known, it is suspected that consumption of drinking water could be a possible reason for it.
Following media reports, a human rights activist has taken up the issue with the Odisha Human Rights Commission. Alleging apathy by the health department, rights activist Himansu Sekhar Nayak appealed to the OHRC, seeking its direction for immediate remedial measures in the area.
In February, Nira Jena (51) of Biridiha, Mini Dehuri (18), Bata Ho (32) of Baruan, Ghanshyam Hembram of Kantipal (37) died of kidney disease.
The disease has affected many others in the area. Ballabh Barik (49) and Kailash Jena (58) of Biridiha were admitted to Anandapur sub-divisional hospital.
Maguni Sahu, 52, another affected, is undergoing treatment at home. Locals apprehend that the disease is likely to spread into other areas.
Social activists and intellectuals like Nityananda Jena, Gouranga Jena and Kamdev Sahu said the government should send a medical team to look into why this disease is spreading in this particular area.
On the other hand, the human rights activist has sought compensation to the bereaved families.
He has pointed out that in 2018, the disease had played havoc affecting 30 people in the area. Seven of them had died. It had then triggered panic among people.
As most of the villagers are from poor economic background, they are unable to afford costly treatment for the disease. Meanwhile, villagers have demanded free medical treatment for the affected people.