Daijiworld Media Network – Chhindwara

Chhindwara, Oct 16: Several people from Rajola village in Madhya Pradesh’s Chhindwara district fell ill after consuming contaminated water from a village well, officials said on Thursday.

Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Hemkaran Dhruve informed that a health check-up was conducted for 150 families in the village, out of which 60 people were found suffering from vomiting and diarrhoea. Water samples taken from the well were found to be contaminated, and four dead pigeons were recovered from it.

“The well has been closed immediately. Fresh water will be refilled today,” Dhruve said, adding that around 120 patients have been administered medicines. A medical camp will remain in the village for the next two to three days, and no patient is in serious condition. A temporary hospital has also been set up at the Gram Panchayat.

The SDM said action will be taken against the Gram Panchayat, pump operators, and the secretary for negligence.

This incident comes amid growing health concerns in Madhya Pradesh following the deaths of 20 children linked to the consumption of Coldrif cough syrup. Most of the deaths were reported from Chhindwara district.

State Deputy Chief Minister and Health Minister Rajendra Shukla confirmed that 20 children have died and five others are undergoing treatment. The Union Government has since moved to strengthen the country’s drug monitoring system by empowering the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) through new legislation.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a health advisory warning against the use and distribution of three cough syrups — Coldrif, Respifresh TR, and ReLife — suspected to be linked to the fatalities.