Bhubaneswar, Sep 3 - In order to control diarrhoea and other water borne diseases in the state's Kalahandi district, the Orissa government has announced that it will give cash awards to those who bring patients to hospitals.

The district administration will give Rs.200 and new clothes to those who bring patients to hospitals and Rs.200 to the patients when they are discharged.

The cash award has been announced by state Health Minister Prasanna Acharya in order to bring reluctant patients to hospital and curb water borne diseases.

'Many people, especially female patients are not ready to come to the hospital for treatment. We have therefore announced the cash award,' said Acharya.

According to official figures, diarrhoea has already claimed 26 lives and more than 250 have undergone treatment in the last one month.

'People are using water from natural sources like streams and open wells. The use of water from natural sources is the main cause for the spread of the disease,' Acharya said.

The state government has decided to disinfect the natural sources of water to contain the spread of the disease.