Free treatment for all affected: Naveen Patnaik

BHUBANESWAR: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday directed that all the affected persons in the hooch tragedy would get the best possible treatment free of cost. The Chief Minister reviewed the situation at a high-level meeting at the Secretariat here. He ordered exemplary action against those responsible for the tragic incident.A special ward has been opened at the SCB Medical, Cuttack, for treatment of the affected persons. Doctors, nurses and other paramedical staff have been engaged to provide medical care.A release issued by the Chief Minister’s office said 10 ambulances/mobile vans have been pressed into service in the affected areas to identify and take affected persons to the SCB Medical for proper treatment.According to the release, two cases have been registered in Cuttack sadar and Balianta police stations. Two special squads have also been constituted to nab the culprits. Preliminary investigation suggested that two medicines, Epeecarm and concentrated Cinnamon have caused these unfortunate incidents, it added.Raids are being conducted on the distribution, sale and manufacture points of these contaminated medicines. The State Government has advised people not to consume these medicines.Among others, Excise Minister AU Singhdeo, Chief Secretary Bijay Kumar Patnaik, Home Secretary UN Behera, Director-General of Police Manmohan Praharaj, Police Commissioner Bijay Kumar Sharma and Excise Commissioner Sudarshan Nayak attended.