Civic body starts drive to fight malaria, dengue

The NMMC health department has undertaken a special drive to control waterborne diseases. Special precautions are being taken and awareness being created to combat malaria, dengue, gastro, cholera, jaundice, typhoid and diarrohea in Navi Mumbai.

In order to prevent the spread of epidemics in the city in monsoon, the health department has prepared an action plan. An awareness campaign has also been initiated to educate the residents on what precautions they need to take.

According to additional municipal commissioner Ankush Chavan, “July was observed as ‘dengue combat month’. Dengue and malaria camps were held at 69 places. Blood samples were taken at the camps and 2,507 patients were treated.”

He added, “A total of 11,205 handbills were distributed to spread awareness on symptoms and prevention of the diseases.”

An independent ward has been set up in NMMC hospital, while the required medicines have been stocked in adequate quantity.

Health officials visited lakhs of houses in the city to check for mosquito breeding spots. They have checked for overhead tanks, underground tank, loft tank, drums, tyres, and flower pots. Necessary steps were taken at places where the presence of larvae was found. Anti-mosquito action has also been taken at hospitals, construction sites, garages and schools where fumigation has been undertaken. Awareness campaigns too have been undertaken. Guppy fish are being released at mosquito prone spots.

To bring malaria and dengue under control, the health department is conducting a special awareness campaign from June to September.

The civic administration has displayed information leaflets in the housing societies. Handbills are being distributed. Health camps and exhibitions are being held in the city.

Big hoardings too have been erected in the city. To ensure that the message reaches every resident, booklets and stickers are being distributed and awareness campaigns are being held at public places on holidays. Rallies involving students are also being held.

Chavan said, “A patient whose blood sample was found to be infected was given a 14-day treatment. A survey was also conducted in 100 houses around his house.”

Residents are being asked to keep their environs cleans and inform NMMC in cases of such diseases.

He added, “The health department, through its Urban Help Centres, is conducting surveys in all the wards of the city to find out patients suffering from such diseases and also mosquito breeding spots. The patients are being examined in their homes itself and administered treatment. Their blood tests too are being examined.”

BACHCHAN KUMAR