PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE | Dehradun
The Health department has sent a demand to the National Health Mission (NHM) regarding the extension of the volunteers’ tenure for conducting the dengue prevention survey activity. The said initiative comes in response to the recent increase in dengue cases in Dehradun district, the Dehradun chief medical officer Dr Manoj Kumar Sharma said.
Notably, over 400 dengue cases have been reported in the Dehradun district, encompassing both Dehradun and other districts. The recent uptick in dengue infections is concerning, and it is anticipated that the conclusion of the monsoon season may further exacerbate the situation in Dehradun district. In light of this, the Health department has taken proactive measures to address potential future cases.
Talking to The Pioneer, the CMO said that there has been a significant rise in dengue cases in the Dehradun district within the past few days and this trend is anticipated to continue in the future. However, he reassured that the Health department has proactively implemented measures to address and prevent a surge in these cases. He informed that Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), along with volunteers, have been consistently conducting dengue awareness surveys in the Dehradun district. They visit homes to check for dengue larvae and educate residents about prevention.
The ASHAs workers are responsible for continuous survey efforts, while the volunteers, who have been specifically recruited for this activity, are serving a five-month term that began in May and will conclude in September. In view of the surge in dengue cases and this conclusion of volunteers’ extension in September, they have already submitted a request to the National Health Mission (NHM) for an extension of the volunteers’ tenure for more days and along with the budget. At present, volunteers receive Rs 628 daily for their work. He said importantly, 100 volunteers have been performing the said activity at the Dehradun District and 40 at Rishikesh. He said that the Health department is committed to ensuring there are no future spikes in dengue cases.
District Surveillance Officer (DSO) Dr Pradeep Rana also stated that to prevent both current and future dengue cases, they are maintaining regular communication with volunteers and ASHA workers regarding dengue survey reports. Meetings are being held with officials to discuss strategies for dengue prevention. He also said that they are organising fogging activities independently, alongside municipal bodies. The Health department possesses 10 fogging machines operated by 10 workers who handle this task. Additionally, Rana indicated that hospitals have been instructed to conduct the Elisa test for dengue and to promptly send case reports to the Health department.
Rana emphasised individuals regarding the importance of taking preventive measures to avoid future cases. It is recommended that individuals wear long-sleeved clothing, steer clear of stagnant water and seek medical advice if they experience symptoms of dengue, instead of resorting to self-medication.
