Infections on the rise at Jantar Mantar: Why CJP protests are sparking fresh health concerns
Over 200 people were administered paracetamol and other such medications at the CJP's Jantar Mantar protest on July 24
Over 200 people were administered paracetamol and other such medications at the CJP's Jantar Mantar protest on July 24.
Over 200 people were administered paracetamol and other such medications at the CJP's Jantar Mantar protest on July 24.
Over 200 people were administered paracetamol and other such medications at the CJP's Jantar Mantar protest on July 24.
Ever since the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) protests at Delhi's Jantar Mantar intensified over the past week, which led to people from Opposition parties joining in, the number of infection cases at the site have also been on the rise.
People in the area have reported a number of health concerns—from sore throats and viral infections to headaches and fevers—which have complicated the protests for accountability in the education sector, especially the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Volunteer doctors in the area have noted that overcrowding and people sleeping on the ground at the protest site, in addition to the open-air conditions at Jantar Mantar, had worsened the spread of such communicable diseases.
Notably, over 200 people had been administered paracetamol—an analgesic and antipyretic used as a painkiller and to relieve the symptoms of a fever—and other similar medications on Wednesday, as per a PTI report, which cited Dr Shilpa, a volunteer doctor from Punjab's 'Five River Heart Association'.
Another doctor added onto this remark, stating that coughing and sneezing openly was one of the key ways in which infections were spreading rapidly at the site.
Other problems in play
Health issues such as fevers and headaches are not the only ones faced by those at the site of the Jantar Mantar protests—which include the protesters, local police, CRPF and RAF officers, and journalists, among others.
In fact, Dr Shilpa claimed that a large number of people were arriving to the protest site wthout eating properly, which led to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and dehydration.
"A large number of elderly people are coming for treatment related to diabetes and hypertension," she said, adding that essential medicines were being provided to them.
Complaints of sprains or twisted ankles have also come from people who move away quickly whenever the police attempt to use their batons or push the crowd back.
Will the health issues persist?
The report added that a team of 4-5 volunteer doctors are always present at the protest site at all times.
They are also said to be well-equipped with painkillers, antibiotics, wound ointments, ORS packets, medications for allergies, diabetes, and blood pressure, cough syrups, and more. A number of people have donated medicines as well.
While the CJP protests have already led to the Centre taking some action in connection with the NEET paper leak case—and paper leaks in general—Pradhan's resignation remains uncertain.
Since this is a non-negotiable for the CJP and the Opposition, the protests are expected to continue well into Saturday—when the Centre is expected to provide clarity on his resignation—indicating that the work of the volunteer doctors continues at Jantar Mantar.