Watch | Dr. Dilip Mahalanabis and the invention of ORS

Watch | Dr. Dilip Mahalanabis and the invention of ORS

On sixteenth December 1971, East Pakistan was liberated, forming what we all know immediately as Bangladesh. Following the warfare, practically 10 million individuals took refuge in India. 

However because the monsoon arrived, with heavy rains and floods, additionally got here cholera. With a scarcity of entry to meals, clear water and sanitation, the cholera epidemic killed over 5,000 individuals within the refugee camps alone. 

In a single such refugee camp at Bangaon in West Bengal, the state of affairs was turning important. The camp was working out of saline fluid, a normal remedy for cholera in these days. The clock was ticking quick as a whole lot extra awaited remedy. 

Dr Dilip Mahalnabis, a Kolkata-based paediatrician, stepped in. From his analysis, he knew {that a} resolution of sugar and salt, which might improve water absorption by the physique, might save lives. 

He turned to Oral Rehydration Remedy, an unpopular remedy for diarrhoea in these days. Towards the percentages, and with the assistance of Johns Hopkins College, he started giving out a combination of desk salt, baking soda and glucose with clear consuming water. He and his staff then ready and saved the answer in giant drums, from the place sufferers or their kin might assist themselves. 

Within the subsequent 14 days, the variety of deaths declined from 30 per cent to three.6 per cent within the refugee camps. 

We have a look at Dr Mahalanabis’s contribution to the sector of well being and his awards and recognition.