NHRC takes cognisance of deaths of people due to unknown disease

BHUBANESWAR: National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken cognizance of a case regarding death of several people due to unknown disease at Bhusal village under Bhuban block in Dhenkanal district during last few years. It has transferred the case to Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) on Sunday for disposal in accordance with the provisions of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.
Sangita Swain had filed the petition before the NHRC on October 14.She said the villagers of Bhusal have been suffering from kidney ailments during last ten years. They don’t know how this disease has spread its wing. A group of doctors have already visited the village, but reason of the disease it yet to be known, she added.
She alleged that around 40 people are suffering from this unknown disease which affects kidney slowly. Villagers said around 22 people have been died in their village due to this disease.
Swain prayed the commission to take criminal action against the concerned medical authority for failing in taking lawful action. She also urged the rights body to ask the state government to pay compensation of Rs 20 lakh to kin of the deceased and provide free treatment to the victim patient.
The petitioner has requested the commission to direct the state government to send an expert team to the village to detect the unknown disease immediately.
Official sources said collector and other senior officials of the district administration have visited the village to take stock of the situation. Villagers alleged that they have requested several officials and top political leaders to help them in fighting the disease, but nobody is paying heed to their demand.