It is understood that the village of Pali in Satari has been struck by a mysterious and sudden death of the villagers over the past one month and still continue. The death toll has now reportedly reached nine and though the illnesses may have been different, they have ended in death.
It is surprising as to how the Health department has not been able to pinpoint the cause for the mysterious deaths for so long. It is understood that the villagers are gripped in panic over the deaths. The government should find out the reason behind the mysterious deaths on a priority basis and seek remedial measures to arrest these deaths. This step will allay the fears of the villagers who could be turning to superstition and that their village being under some form of curse for the reason behind the mysterious deaths.
It is a pity that even though the medical field has advanced to such a great extent, the medical fraternity is finding it difficult to find the exact cause for the deaths. In this respect the Health department could take the assistance of the medical authorities of the World Health Organization (WHO) to find out the exact cause behind these mysterious deaths. Providing proper and clean sanitation and making available clean drinking water in the affected should also be the top priority of the Goa government.
These deaths are of serious concern as the mysterious disease could spread to a wider area and other villages. The Health department should do it’s utmost to see that no more such mysterious deaths occur here as besides the people living in panic, it could have a social impact on the other villagers.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
