TV
At a time when Jajpur district in Odisha is battling a severe diarrhoea and suspected cholera outbreak, a shocking case of negligence has come to light. Patients admitted at the Jajpur Road Community Health Centre were allegedly served uncooked, raw bananas alongside flattened rice (chuda)—a diet completely unsuitable for those suffering from acute gastroenteritis.
As per standard health protocol, patients afflicted with diarrhoea are to be provided with easily digestible food, specifically boiled bananas and ORS solutions, to aid recovery. However, in this case, the diet contractor responsible for patient meals under government provisioning distributed raw bananas due to the unavailability of cooked ones.
Contractor Caught Off-Guard, Flees When Confronted
The matter came to light when a media team visiting the facility witnessed patients being handed polythene packets containing flattened rice and raw bananas. Upon noticing the camera, the person distributing the food reportedly fled the scene, further raising suspicion of gross negligence and mismanagement.
When confronted, local health officials acknowledged the error and confirmed that this was in clear violation of the dietary standards set by the Health Department for diarrhoea treatment. The concerned diet contractor has been issued a warning and summoned for an explanation.
“Raw bananas should not have been given to patients. The diet contractor said to us that ripe bananas were not available, as he gave raw bananas to the patients. We have told them to change the bananas immediately. We were very angry with the diet contractor who was held responsible for this negligence,” said the Health Officer.
Also Read: ‘Diarrhoea and cholera cases in endemic stage in Odisha’s Jajpur’
Concerns Mount Over Quality Control
This incident has stirred public outrage, especially as the district battles rising cases of cholera, with over 196 patients undergoing treatment and 16 confirmed cholera infections. Health experts fear that such dietary lapses could worsen the condition of already vulnerable patients.
Authorities have assured strict monitoring and corrective action to prevent such incidents in future. Meanwhile, the local administration is urging all partners involved in relief and healthcare to prioritise patient safety and dignity during this health emergency.
