Prevent spread of vector-borne diseases, health officials told

Kapurthala, July 5

Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh on Friday directed the officials of the Health and other Departments to intensify the exercises being carried out to prevent any outbreak of vector-borne and water-borne diseases, especially dengue, chikunguniya and malaria.

While chairing a review meeting in this regard here at the district administrative complex accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Amit Kumar Panchal, Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh emphasised that the hotspots of these diseases should be given special focus besides sensitising the people of these areas to take requisite measures to avert any spread of such health issues. He also pointed out that the services of other line departments should also be taken to make people aware and alert so that the threat of dengue, malaria and other such diseases could be tackled efficaciously.

He stated that students of schools and colleges could also play a pivotal role to sensitise their families and residents of their localities in this regard. Similarly, through ASHA workers, social organisations, Aam Aadmi Clinics and community participation people could be apprised about these diseases and timely action for prevention.

Meanwhile, DC Panchal also apprised the Minister that the health officials were motivating people to ensure Friday as dry day in their homes, offices and other places by keeping air coolers, pots and other vessels dry and clean. He said that the municipal officials had already been directed to ensure fogging especially in the hotspots besides carrying out the checking at different places by concerned officials.

Referring to ICUs at Civil Hospital, Kapurthala and Sultanpur Lodhi, the minister asked the Civil Surgeon to send a detailed proposal of requisite amenities needed for these units. He assured that both the units would be made fully-functional shortly thus catering the healthcare services to the people of local and adjoining areas.

The minister also took stock of the functioning of drug de-addiction centre directing the officials to ensure follow-up exercise of those treated at this centre so as to further engage them in skill development and employment activities. He directed the Aam Aadmi Clinic doctors and paramedic staff to make database of patients, which could be helpful in their regular check-ups besides motivating them for lifestyle modification in case of hypertension, diabetes and obesity. He also stressed the need to encourage patients towards yoga exercises, which would keep them fit and healthy.