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Gastro cases: official directed to file affidavit

BERHAMPUR: The Orissa High court on Monday directed the State Health Secretary to file an affidavit regarding the measures taken to safeguard citizens from gastro infections.

A PIL filed by Maria Majhi of Gajapati district, who had lost her husband due to gastroenteritis and secretary of the Orissa Forest Mazdoor Union, Dandapani Mohanty, was heard by a two-member bench of the High Court comprising Justice I.M.Kuddushi and Justice S. C. Parija. They directed the State Health Secretary to file an affidavit describing the measures taken to provide safe drinking water, proper food and medical facilities in areas of south Orissa which had reported cholera and gastro epidemics last year. The Health Secretary was asked to file the affidavit on or before Feb 25, said Prashant Jena, the advocate of the petitioners.

Through their PIL filed on January 22, the petitioners had alleged that around 500 persons had died of water-borne epidemics in Rayagada, Kalahandi, Gajapati and Koraput districts. They pointed out that even after several decades of independence the government had failed to provide safe drinking water and medical facilities to the citizens. They had urged the court to intervene so that the families of victims of gastro epidemic could get proper compensation.

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