Jamshedpur. The East Singhbhum district administration has swung into action after cases of diarrhoea were reported from Belgoda village under Bodam block and Purnadih village under Patamda block. Deputy Commissioner Karn Satyarthi, taking immediate cognizance of the situation, issued strict instructions to Civil Surgeon Dr. Sahir Pal to ensure that health teams reach the affected areas without delay, examine patients, and provide necessary treatment and preventive measures.
Following the directive, teams of the Health Department arrived in the affected villages and set up medical camps, where dozens of villagers were examined on Thursday. Medicines were distributed free of cost, oral rehydration solution (ORS) packets were supplied, and doctors offered consultations based on individual symptoms. In addition to treatment, the health teams also conducted awareness sessions, educating villagers about the importance of hygiene, safe drinking water, and nutritious food to curb the spread of waterborne diseases.
Civil Surgeon Dr. Sahir Pal informed that special block-wise investigation teams have been formed across the district in anticipation of a seasonal surge in diarrhoea cases due to fluctuating weather. “All block medical officers have been directed to keep a close watch in their respective areas, immediately identify patients showing symptoms, provide treatment on the spot, and report daily updates to the district headquarters,” he said.
The Civil Surgeon also added that health workers have been instructed to go door-to-door in vulnerable areas, distributing ORS packets and chlorine tablets, apart from counseling families on preventive measures.
Deputy Commissioner Karn Satyarthi, while appealing for public cooperation, said, “If any symptoms of diarrhoea are observed, people should immediately inform the nearest health center or health team. Timely reporting will ensure early treatment and prevent complications.” He further advised villagers to drink only boiled or filtered water, maintain hand hygiene, and avoid open defecation.
The DC also assured that the administration is taking parallel measures to ensure safety in water supply. “All drinking water sources in the affected villages are being tested, and chlorination is being carried out wherever necessary,” he said.
The sudden rise in cases has created concern among residents. Ramesh Singh, a farmer from Belgoda, said, “Children were the first to fall sick with loose motion and weakness. The camp set up by the health department has given us some relief, as we now have access to medicines and advice.” Women in the villages expressed gratitude for the awareness drive, noting that many households were unaware that simple practices like boiling water could prevent such illnesses
In both villages, Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) and Anganwadi workers have been pressed into service to spread messages of hygiene and to check every household for possible cases. The health department has also stepped up coordination with panchayat representatives to ensure that information flows quickly from the ground to the administration.
Officials confirmed that surveillance will continue until the situation stabilizes. The Deputy Commissioner has directed all block offices to remain on alert and send immediate reports if fresh cases are detected in other villages.
