The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report revealing significant surge in the patients of Typhoid allegedly due to consumption of contaminated drinking water. State Health Department has confirmed a total 70 active cases of typhoid concentrated in a particular area of the city. Reportedly, the surge in the patients of Typhoid has exposed serious flaws in the newly laid water supply system in Gandhinagar City of Gujarat. Seven points of leaks have been identified in the water pipeline network causing sewage to mix with the drinking water supply.

The Commission has observed that the contents of the news report, if true, raise serious issues of violation of the human rights of the victims. Therefore, it has issued a notice to the Chief Secretary, Government of Gujarat, calling for a detailed report on the matter within two weeks. The report is expected to include the present health status of the out-door and in-door patients of typhoid and the steps taken or proposed to ensure such incidents do not recur.

According to the media report, carried on 4th January 2026, the doctors have confirmed that this is a water-borne outbreak and they are working to ensure early detection and prompt medical treatment to the patients on priority. Reportedly, a 30 bed Pediatric Ward has been opened in the Gandhinagar Civil Hospital to handle the increasing number of typhoid patients who are mostly children. Reportedly, the patients are approaching the hospital with high fever and gastrointestinal symptoms.

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NSK