DM orders full dengue preparedness ahead of monsoon, five cases reported so far

PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE /Dehradun 

The Dehradun district magistrate Savin Bansal held a meeting with health and civic officials on Sunday and directed all hospitals to remain fully prepared with rapid test kits, dengue 

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) tests, medicines, beds, blood banks and medical staff. The district administration has gone on high alert to prevent the spread of dengue and other water borne diseases ahead of the monsoon season.

Bansal directed schools to spread awareness about dengue and make full sleeve uniforms compulsory for students. Officials said that five dengue cases have been reported so far this year in Dehradun district, including three linked to other States.

He also ordered that control rooms remain active 24 hours a day so that immediate action can be taken whenever a dengue case is reported. Strict instructions were also issued for regular fogging, drain cleaning and awareness campaigns across the district.

The DM said that negligence at any level would not be tolerated and directed the Health department to strengthen rapid response teams and prepare detailed micro plans for dengue control in Dehradun and Rishikesh urban areas. 

Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers will conduct door-to-door surveys and monitor dengue prone areas. The administration also announced additional incentives for ASHA workers. Along with Rs 1,000 from NHM and Rs 1,500 from the municipal corporation, the district administration will provide an extra Rs 1,500 incentive amount.

The Municipal Corporation of Dehradun has been instructed to clean all small and large drains, including the Rispana and Bindal river areas, with sufficient manpower and machines. Volunteers will be deployed in hotspot areas and larvicide spraying and fogging will be carried out regularly in every ward. Heavy fines will be imposed if waterlogging, mosquito larvae or unhygienic conditions are found in commercial establishments, campuses and public places, officials said.