Act to combat dengue, malaria outbreak: HC to NMC

Staff Reporter

The Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court has issued a stern directive to the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) to address the escalating dengue and malaria cases within the city. In a hearing presided over by Justice Atul Chandurkar and Justice Vrushali Joshi, the court directed NMC to take immediate action to prevent spread of these diseases. The public interest litigation (PIL), initiated by social worker Anil Agre in 2014, emphasised the urgency of proactive measures to counter the rising health crisis.The recent surge in recorded cases has seen a staggering 1,800 patients diagnosed with dengue and malaria within a mere 15-day span. This alarming statistic reflects the failure of administration in combating these vector-borne diseases.

To counter the spread, the court’s recommendation highlights the need for targeted drug spraying, or fogging, in areas such as slums and schools. Representing the petitioner, Adv Tejal Agre brought the urgent matter to the court’s attention. Moreover, the petitioner stated, monsoon rains have led to the accumulation of stagnant water in slums, creating fertile breeding grounds for mosquitoes. This situation has resulted in widespread illness among children and residents due to dengue and malaria infections. Responding to the pressing concern, the High Court’s ruling not only holds the NMC accountable but also calls for a collaborative approach between other departments administration and the civic body to swiftly tackle the health crisis. Adv Tejal Agre, Adv. Deepak Thakre and Adv Gemini Kasat represented the parties concerned.

NMC’s health system ready to fight dengue: Anchal Goyal

“Though the cases of dengue are rising in city, citizens need not worry as the civic body is taking all required measures to ensure that mosquito menace is contained. So far, NMC has record of 92 persons infected with dengue although number of suspects has crossed 300,” said Additional Municipal Commissioner Anchal Goyal. she was interacting with newspersons at Dr Panjabrao Deshmukh Memorial Standing Committee Hall, NMC Headquarters, Civil Lines, on Wednesday. In the backdrop of lull in monsoon and rise in mosquito menace, NMC held a survey from August 17 to 29 in all its 10 zones where 92 cases have surfaced. Lakadganj zone has 20 such patiens, highest among the zones, followed by Laxmi Nagar (17 ), Dharampeth (13) and Mangalwari Zone (11).

NMC health teams visited houses of the dengue positive patients. Also, a rapid fever survey was conducted by Epidemic Officers of the Department of Filaria and Malaria and Asha workers. Similarly, a team of medical officers visited homes of the respective positive patients. Also, serum samples of suspected dengue patients were taken through ANM/JNM/lab technicians of health workers and the same were sent to Late Prabhakarrao Datke Centennial Diagnostic Center for tests, Goyal said. Also, she added, a total of 1,14,849 houses were surveyed through health workers. Mosquito-breeding sites were searched in these houses. The health workers destroyed 2,843 contaminated containers. Guppies were permanently released in mosquito breeding sites. Spraying and fogging activities also were done in the affected areas. Goyal also said that 300 people were issued notice on noticing mosquito-breeding sites at their places.

With proper diagnosis and timely treatment, dengue can be cured quickly. Therefore, Goyal appealed to the citizens to seek medical advice immediately if they develop dengue-like symptoms. “Special attention should be paid to hygiene if a dengue patient is found in the area or at home. Care should be taken that water does not accumulate anywhere. One day in a week should be observed as a dry day. If dengue-like symptoms occur, go to nearest Primary Health Center for free medical advice,” said Goyal. Dr Narendra Bahirwar, Medical Health Officer; Dr Manjusha Mathapati, Head, Filaria and Malaria Cell; Vijay Joshi, Additional Medical Health Officer, also were present at the interaction.