SRINAGAR: After nearly 50 days of fear and uncertainty, patients from Badhaal village in Rajouri district are showing encouraging signs of recovery, providing hope amid an ongoing investigation into the cause of a mysterious health crisis.
According to officials, 14 patients from the affected village are currently under medical care in different hospitals, with all reported to be on the path to recovery. Meanwhile, other villagers remain under strict observation as authorities intensify their efforts to address the situation.
Dr Amarjeet Singh Bhatia, Principal of GMC Rajouri, confirmed to Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that 11 patients are being treated at GMC Rajouri, with two in the ICU and nine under close observation. “The good news is that all of them are recovering. Recent adjustments to their medication have shown visible improvements,” Dr Bhatia said, urging people not to panic.
Highlighting the psychological impact of restrictions on the village residents, Dr Bhatia encouraged the community to extend emotional support. “These residents have lived freely in forests. The imposed restrictions might affect their mental health. This is not a virus or influenza—you can safely interact with them,” he said.
Dr Ashutosh Gupta, Principal of GMC Jammu, shared updates on three siblings admitted to the hospital, including one previously on a ventilator who has now stabilised. A patient referred to PGI Chandigarh is also recovering under joint monitoring by senior doctors in Chandigarh and Jammu.
Dr Gupta ruled out the possibility of a viral or influenza outbreak but noted that the involvement of toxins or poison remains under investigation. “National agencies are working on this case. Identifying the root cause will take time,” he said, advocating for modern diagnostic tools like metagenomics and next-generation sequencing at GMC Jammu to enhance diagnostic capabilities.
In response to the crisis, the Jammu & Kashmir Police have constituted an 11-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the illness. Measures such as monitored food and water supplies have been implemented to “break the food chain” in the village.
While the exact cause of the illness remains undetermined, the steady recovery of patients has offered a glimmer of hope for the people of Badhaal. Authorities and national health agencies continue to work tirelessly to unravel the mystery and prevent future occurrences. (KNO)
