MC gears up to deal with health issues in summers

Rachna Khaira

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, March 26

Ahead of the summer season, the Municipal Corporation of Jalandhar (MCJ) has geared up to fight summer infections and diseases in the city. MC officials besides creating awareness are also planning to get tough in levying penalties on violators.

Dr Sri Krishan, Assistant Health Officer, MC, said a survey had already been conducted in coordination with the district Health Department to identify disease-prone areas in the city.

“Majority of the areas include the Basti areas located in ward numbers 40, 44, 45 and 46 and also in nearby areas. Apart from creating awareness in these areas, we are also planning to go tough in levying penalties on those who spread litter, use polybags or burn garbage in their localities,” said Dr Sri Krishan.

He said last year the department had received Rs 10 lakh as penalty from the people found littering or using polybags despite a ban announced on these acts. Dr Srikrishan also urged the people to use Swachata app launched by the Union government and to upload photographs of garbage or litter found in their areas so that it could be picked up immediately. “We have dedicated employees who are monitoring the complaints on Swachata app round the clock. City residents can also get in touch with the sanitation inspector or any of our staff deployed in their area,” said Dr Sri.

The public was also warned against the consumption of street food or food items which are prepared beforehand as these may be contaminated or have spoiled faster because of warm temperature. “Vomiting and diarrhea follows consumption of contaminated food or drinks. This summer, one must be cautious of street foods and be careful of those food items which are prepared for out-of-town trips. Food spoils easily during hot summer months,” warn health experts.

From the past few years, the city has witnessed outbreak of many deadly diseases including dengue and diarrohea due to a lackadaisical attitude of the MC and the Health Department.

Last year, cases of viral, dengue and diarhoea increased to such an extent that the Civil Hospital went overcrowded. Patients were forced to share their beds with other patients in the emergency ward which further enhanced the risk of infection.

Recently, diarrhoea and dysentery cases were reported in all slum areas and Basti areas due to heavy contamination of water mixing with the sewerage flowing in an adjacent pipe next to the fresh water supply. Small chicken pox cases were reported in Jalandhar cantonment area (around 90 patients reported) and in Basti Peer Daad. Jaundice cases emerged in Baldev Nagar, Amrik nagar and Reru village

Experts suggest following precautions during summers: Drinking plenty of fluids; eating fresh and seasonal fruits and vegetables; wearing lightweight and light-coloured clothes; avoid littering in surroundings and keeping the skin hydrated and moistened to avoid skin allergies.