E-Paper
Fear of epidemics looms large
THE PEOPLE of trans-Yamuna area should remain prepared for the worst-ever outbreak of malaria, dengue and encephalitis this season. The comprehensive anti-malaria and fogging programme prepared by the Vector Borne Disease Department has got delayed by over 15 days and is not expected to start for another 15-20 days.
THE PEOPLE of trans-Yamuna area should remain prepared for the worst-ever outbreak of malaria, dengue and encephalitis this season. The comprehensive anti-malaria and fogging programme prepared by the Vector Borne Disease Department has got delayed by over 15 days and is not expected to start for another 15-20 days.
The government has already sanctioned Rs 33 lakh for fogging and anti-malaria programme in malaria-prone Shankargarh and other highly endemic regions of trans-Yamuna.
As many as 100 highly endemic villages were identified for conducting the programme in three phases. Over one hundred health workers were also trained for implementing the programme, which included fogging, distribution of anti-malaria tablets, collecting slides of suspected malaria patients and creating awareness about the symptoms of malaria through public meetings and distribution of pamphlets.
A team of 15 basic health workers and three lab technicians was also formed to monitor the programme in malaria-endemic regions.
The first phase of the anti-malaria programme was scheduled to start from May 15. But the programme could not take-off because of delay made by the State Health Directorate in supplying melathion and other insecticides to the Vector Borne Diseases Department.
"We are not expecting the supply for another 15-20 days although we have sent a number of reminders to the State Health Directorate. The amount which we have received is for the payment of workers so we cannot buy insecticide at the local level. However, on the directives of the district magistrate we will start distributing anti-malaria tablets and collect slides from June 5 in the villages identified for launching the programme," said additional chief medical officer Vector Borne Diseases Control Programme Dr RB Singh.
