Polluted Water Scare in Gandhinagar as Over 100 Fall Ill in a Week

Gandhinagar, the capital of Gujarat, is witnessing growing concern after more than 100 suspected cases of typhoid were reported within a span of five days. According to officials, as many as 104 patients, including a significant number of children, are currently receiving treatment at the Gandhinagar Civil Hospital.

Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat, Harsh Sanghavi, visited the Civil Hospital on Saturday to review the situation firsthand. He interacted with patients and their families and assessed the preparedness of the Healthcare system in response to the sudden surge in cases.

Sanghavi said the state administration has directed senior officials, including the deputy collector, to conduct continuous monitoring of the situation. A special medical team of 22 doctors has been deployed to ensure timely and effective treatment for all admitted patients.

“So far, 104 suspected cases have been reported. Treatment protocols and monitoring mechanisms are being strengthened on a continuous basis,” Sanghavi stated. He added that arrangements are also being improved to provide better facilities for patients and their attendants.

The deputy chief minister further said that both the district collector and the mayor are personally inspecting hospital facilities. Plans have also been put in place to ensure food and accommodation for families of patients admitted to the hospital.

Health officials noted a sharp rise in cases over the past three days, with a reported 50 percent increase in positive cases. The majority of those hospitalized have been admitted to the pediatric ward, raising concerns about the impact on children.

Dr. Mita Parikh, Medical Superintendent of Gandhinagar Civil Hospital, confirmed that all admitted patients are currently in stable condition. She revealed that water samples collected from affected localities tested unsafe for drinking, indicating contaminated water as a likely cause of the outbreak.

In response, the health department of the Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation has initiated door-to-door health surveys in the affected areas to identify new cases and prevent further spread. Residents have been advised to drink only boiled water and consume food prepared at home.

The civic body has also begun distributing chlorine tablets to disinfect household water tanks and curb the risk of contamination.

Sanghavi disclosed that Union Home Minister Amit Shah, whose parliamentary constituency includes Gandhinagar, has been closely monitoring the situation. Shah reportedly contacted the district collector multiple times during the day to review developments and was expected to follow up again in the evening.

Officials said investigations are ongoing to determine the exact source of the suspected typhoid outbreak. Authorities emphasized that all necessary steps are being taken to ensure prompt medical care and to prevent the situation from escalating further.