At least 32 people have died and more than 78 are battling for their lives after they consumed spurious country-made liquor at Rojid village in Botad district of the State. The chemicals had been mixed into the liquor, which has led to the deaths and ill-health of the consumers. These patients are being treated at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, Sir Takhtasinhji General Hospital in Bhavnagar and Sonawala Hospital in Botad.
As such, Gujarat Education Minister Jitu Vaghani and Health Minister Rushikesh Patel were flown into Bhavnagar, where they visited the Sir T hospital and reviewed the situation. They also visited critical patients who have suffered severe damage to their kidneys and require dialysis.
The government has instructed the medical staff to provide top-notch treatment for these patients as quickly as possible. The officials have told the doctors that they should make all the necessary arrangements to ensure that the patients recover completely. The two leaders interacted with the patients’ families and understood the situation and their concerns. They have assured that the government will be doing its best for the patients.
Talking to the reporters, Vaghani said that the incident was saddening. He also said that considering its seriousness, Health Department and Home Department have deployed teams to Dhanduka and Barwada talukas to help people who have been affected by the incident. The health department is continuously monitoring the situation as well.
Furthermore, Vaghani confirmed that about 600 litres of Methanol for industrial purpose was supplied to a bootlegger in Barwala, of which 450 litres has been seized by the police. Vaghani also said that a high-level committee has been formed to investigate the matter and also to ensure that there is no conflict of interest. The probe will be thorough and unbiased, he said.
