No support from MC dampens Health Dept’s anti-dengue drive

Tribune News Service

Patiala, May 25

The District Health Department seems to be fighting its battle against dengue alone because despite repeated reminders the department is not getting much needed support from the Municipal Corporation (MC). 

In fact, on Friday, which is observed as “Dry Day Friday”, an awareness drive against dengue, a vector-borne disease, was marred by the non-participation of sanitary inspectors and ground staff of the MC. 

Experts believe that checking mosquito breeding comes under the ambit of the Local Bodies Department, which includes MCs, while controlling disease is under  the Health Department. 

Sources in the Health Department said the MC didn’t even start fogging of the high-risk areas/places where dengue larvae had been found in the current season.

With the rising cases of dengue larvae detection and a huge area of 60 wards to be covered, the fear of another outbreak of dengue looms large in the district. 

As per the Health Department, dengue larvae were found at 140 places in the district during “Friday Dry Day” awareness drive. However, the MC did not issue even a single challan to any owner of the place where dengue larvae were found until now.

Dr Sumeet Singh, district epidemiologist, said, “We are concerned with disease control and not mosquito control. Moreover, we have already sought support of other departments. I hope they will equally contribute in our fight against the disease.”

Recently, Health and Family Minister Brahm Mohindra had informed The Tribune that he had already sought participation from the 11 departments to control dengue. 

In fact, last month Mohindra held a meeting in this regard with officials of the Health Department and the Municipal Corporation. 

Sudesh Pratap Singh, municipal health officer, said, “Our staff was busy with election duties. But, now, as the elections are over, we will start making efforts to curb the spread of dengue.”

About fogging, he said as the model code of conduct was imposed since March, the MC could not purchase machines, but the order had been already placed. 

Civil Surgeon assesses groundwork

After a downpour on Friday morning, Dr Manjit Singh, Civil Surgeon, along with his team, assessed the various dengue-prone areas of the district. Led by Civil Surgeon, the health team, including ASHA and multiple health workers and the ANM staff sprayed larvaecides on water and garbage in Rajpura Colony, New Yadvindra Colony, Anaj Mandi and Bishan Nagar.