By Arun Pratap Singh
Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 10 Sep: Health Minister Subodh Uniyal today asserted that the Health Department is maintaining continuous surveillance, testing, treatment and preventive measures in Jyolikot and adjoining areas of Nainital district in view of the reported cases of waterborne diseases. The situation is also being reviewed regularly at the government level.
Speaking to Garhwal Post, Uniyal said that he has directed the Health Department to take all the necessary measures to ensure timely and quality medical care to patients in the affected areas and prevent the spread of waterborne diseases. He also directed the officials to maintain continuous surveillance, expedite door-to-door surveys and testing, and ensure immediate treatment and referral facilities for patients requiring medical attention.
He also shared that since 18 August, 2026, a total of 1,540 households have been covered under door-to-door surveys in the affected areas. As many as 675 patients have been provided treatment and medical advice through the OPD at PHC Jyolikot, while 468 patients have received treatment and consultation at health camp OPDs. Another 130 patients have been provided treatment through the IPD facility.
A total of 673 persons in the affected areas have been provided ORS, while 3,900 chlorine tablets have also been distributed. For outbreak management in the Jyolikot area, a total of 53 personnel, including government and private doctors, have been deployed or attached. These include 26 doctors, 13 paramedical staff, five support staff, seven ASHA workers and two ANMs. Jyolikot hospital is being operated round the clock to ensure medical assistance to patients.
Uniyal said more than 100 samples are being collected every day to ensure that the maximum possible number of people were tested. Special attention is being given to testing blood samples for HAV, HEV, culture and LFT, while stool culture is also being conducted wherever required. Regular microbiological testing of drinking water for residual free chlorine and faecal contamination is also being carried out, he claimed.
The Health Minister said drinking water sources in the affected areas were being chlorinated regularly and chlorine levels were being monitored. Public awareness campaigns were also being conducted to encourage people to use safe drinking water. Regular field visits by doctors, nurses and ASHA workers had been ensured in the affected villages, while the availability of ORS and zinc corners was also being maintained continuously.
Uniyal added that the 108 ambulance service and Medical Mobile Unit (MMU) have been kept ready for prompt treatment and referral in case of emergencies. Patients are being referred to higher medical facilities as required. BD Pandey District Hospital, Medical College Haldwani, Base Hospital Haldwani and private hospitals have also been directed to provide necessary healthcare services to patients from the Jyolikot area. Arrangements have also been made to provide free healthcare services to the eligible patients under the Ayushman scheme. Uniyal appealed to the people to consume only safe or boiled drinking water and seek medical advice immediately at the nearest health centre if they develop symptoms such as jaundice, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever or other related ailments.
