Congress Demands Health Minister’s Resignation Over Cholera Outbreak in Odisha

(Fast Mail):-- The fact-finding committee formed by the Pradesh Congress Committee(OPCC) to investigate the cholera outbreak in Odisha has slammed the BJP government for failing to control the outbreak in which over 30 people have allegedly lost their lives in recent days.

The committee chairperson and Congress MLA, Dr. C.S. Raazen Ekka,while addressing press at Congress Bhawan today, said that the cholera epidemic has spread across11 districts in the state and the number of affected patients far exceeds the figures reported by the state government, with approximately over 12,000 people infected.The outbreak is primarily due to contaminated drinking water,the committee chair person alleged.

Dr. Ekka highlighted that in many districts, people are forced to drink water from ponds, as the government has failed to provide safe drinking water.

Additionally, he said many hospitals in the state lack paramedical staff, and the government has been unsuccessful in appointing adequate personnel.

He claimed that the death toll from the cholera outbreak is significantly higher than the 20–30 reported by the government, accusing them of concealing the true figures.

“Out of over 53,000 villages in the state, the government itself acknowledges that 24,000 lack access to drinking water. With the upcoming Rath Yatra, Dr. Ekka emphasized the need for the government to take more proactive measures”.

Former PCC President Prasad Harichandan has criticisied the government for not disclosing the exact number of affected individuals and noted that patients treated at home or in private hospitals are not being accounted for.

He also pointed out that the government has failed to provide data on the total number of deaths. highlighting that one-third of doctor positions in the state remain vacant, and out of 54,000 villages, 24,000 lack access to clean drinking water. 

PCC Vice-President Santosh Singh Saluja accused the Health Minister of being indifferent, saying, “People are dying of cholera, but the self-absorbed Health Minister is busy dancing.” He demanded the Health Minister’s resignation.

Notably, the fact-finding committee, chaired by Rajgangpur MLA Dr. C.S. Raazen Ekka, visited cholera-affected areas in Jajpur and Cuttack districts, inspecting various Primary Health Centers (PHCs), Community Health Centers (CHCs), and district hospitals.

The committee prepared a detailed report after discussions with affected patients and their families, focusing on improving healthcare services and controlling the cholera outbreak. They urged the government institutions to take immediate steps to manage and eradicate the epidemic.

Among others, State Party President Shubhendu Mahanti and committee member Ashok Swain were present at today’s press conference.