Sharmili Mallick

Nabarangpur: Despite modernisation, superstition continues to prevail in many Odisha villages. The latest incident has been reported from Hatibari village under Majhiguda block in Papadahandi panchayat of Nabarangpur district.

Recently, as many as 17 persons of Hatibari were found suffering from chicken pox but instead of going to hospitals, many of them sought treatment from local quacks.

The villagers alleged that the district health department authorities are yet to take any steps to stop the spread of disease.

However, after repeated complaints, a medical team from Papadahandi and District Headquarters Hospital rushed to the village on Friday and distributed medicines after check-up.

It is also being alleged that due to unavailability of a health centre in the village, people of Hatibari are forced to rely on quacks and traditional methods for treatment.

“The quack told us that I am suffering from chicken pox and asked me not to take any medicines,” said a patient Pusham Goud.

“Neither the Anganwadi worker nor doctors from the health department are coming to the village. Many villagers are suffering from chicken pox and taking traditional treatment,” said a quack Sadhu Pujari.

“A team was sent to the village. The situation is not acute and medicines have been prescribed as per the symptoms observed by the medical team. The affected persons including 15 adults and 2 children, have been kept under observation for ten days,” informed Sushrita Seth, Officer of Papadahandi Community Health Centre (CHC).

“We had received the complaint about the dereliction of duty by the ANM. The matter will be reported to the Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO),” added Seth.

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