Water Contamination Crisis: Indore Health Authorities Launch Large-scale ICMR-backed Household Survey
In the wake of the water contamination crisis in Indore, health authorities have launched a large-scale real-time household survey to assess the situation at the grassroots level.
The initiative aims to identify affected residents, track illness, and prevent further spread of disease.
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Chief Medical and Health Officer Madhav Prasad Hasani said the survey is being conducted with technical support from the Indian Council of Medical Research.
Digital Tool Used for Accurate Data Collection
The survey is being carried out using KoboToolbox, a digital data collection platform commonly used in public health and disaster response.
The tool allows health teams to record information through mobile devices and supports GPS locations, timestamps, photographs, and data validation.
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Officials said this method improves accuracy and helps authorities respond quickly based on real-time field data.
200 Teams Deployed Across 5,000 Households
Hasani said the survey covers 5,000 households in affected areas. A total of 200 teams have been deployed for the exercise. Each team has been assigned 25 households.
Every team includes an ASHA worker, a nursing officer, and a doctor.
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Using a mobile questionnaire, the teams are collecting details on household members, identifying those who are sick, and recording their exact locations.
Distribution of Chlorine Drops and ORS
Along with data collection, the health teams are distributing chlorine drops to households. They are also explaining the correct method of using the drops to disinfect drinking water.
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ORS packets supplied by the health department from Bhopal are also being distributed.
Officials said the aim is to ensure immediate relief and prevent dehydration-related complications.
Testing of All Symptomatic and Recovered Patients
The CMHO said the survey teams have been instructed to test all patients in each household.
This includes people currently showing symptoms as well as those who were recently discharged from hospitals.
Health officials believe this step will help detect any lingering infections and prevent a fresh spike in cases.
Current Health Situation Under Control
Hasani said the situation is now fully under control. On Sunday, only 18 new patients were admitted to hospitals. At present, 16 patients remain in intensive care units.
He added that senior professors from medical colleges are closely monitoring patients admitted to private hospitals.
Treatment protocols are being reviewed regularly, and directions are issued based on medical reports.
Death Figures Under Review
On the issue of deaths linked to the outbreak, Hasani said a special death audit committee has been formed.
The committee is reviewing all reported deaths during the period of the outbreak.
He said six deaths due to diarrhoeal disease have been officially confirmed so far.
The committee is examining other cases and is expected to submit its report by Monday evening, after which updated figures will be shared.
Government Announces Relief Measures
The incident has triggered strong public criticism as several lives were lost and many families were affected.
Mohan Yadav announced financial assistance of ₹2 lakh for the families of the deceased.
The state government has also assured free treatment for all affected patients as health teams continue monitoring the situation on the ground.
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