Manpower crunch hits anti-dengue drive

Tribune News Service
Patiala, April 22

The Health Department’s drive against dengue has been marred by an acute shortage of insect collectors. Unprecedented rainfall last week has increased risk of dengue outbreak manifold in the district. 

Insect collectors play a vital role in identification and annihilation of the dengue larvae. At present, there are only three insect collectors against six sanctioned posts. Patiala urban city has only two insect collectors, while Rajpura has only one to identify dengue larvae. 

It is pertinent to mention that Nabha, Samana and Patran in the district are without insect collectors despite large number of dengue larvae found in these areas last year. 

Experts informed that insect collectors were a vital link in identification and curbing spread of the dengue larvae. Moreover, newly developed areas, including Ghagga, Sanour, Ghanour and Bhadson, too require insect collectors. 

District epidemiologist, Dr Sumeet, said, “We have insect collectors, who are trained to identify dengue larvae. More manpower is required to cover the district in an efficient way. We have already sent our requirement to the department concerned. Extra manpower in the form of breeding collectors is expected to arrive in the coming weeks.” 

The Health Department had faced a lot of flak from all quarters after Patiala was declared worst dengue-affected district in Punjab last year. As may as 2,334 positive cases of dengue were reported in Patiala district last year. 

Civil Surgeon, Dr Manjit Singh, said, “The Health Minister has assured us to provide insect collectors by May. We are trying our best to curb the dengue menace in the district.”