DHENKANAL: The local administration has urged the district heads of different departments to coordinate with the Health department officials for creating awareness on dengue and malaria in inaccessible villages. ADM Jyotiranjan Pradhan on Saturday conducted an inter-departmental coordination meeting that was attended by heads of all departments. Stating that funds with Gaon Kalyan Samitis remain unspent for several years, he said the Health department officials need to monitor use of the money. In many villages under Hindol and Kankadahada blocks, malaria cases are on the rise and officials attributed it to traditional healingpractices and lack of awareness.
The ADM advised them to create awareness among schoolchildren on dengue and malaria and undertake cutting of bushes and unwanted vegetation. According to official reports, 40 per cent of population in Kantole block’s Ekul village are always affected by malaria. They suffer the most due to lack of timely medical attention. The National Health Mission authorities had organised four camps in Ekul and found 35 to 45 per cent people tested positive for malaria. The house was informed that necessary steps are being taken to tackle the situation. Ekul village, surrounded by thick forests, is home to just 47 families. They have to walk 5 km to reach the nearest health centre.
19 new cases of dengue
Berhampur: As many as 19 dengue cases have been reported in Ganjam district in the last two days, including three on Saturday. The total number of dengue positive cases in the district has risen to 157, including 22 cases from Berhampur. Chief District Medical Officer Manoj Kumar Behera said spraying of insecticides and fogging have already been started in the city and various other places in the district. He said poor sanitation is giving rise to mosquito menace. He also advised people to consume boiled water and use mosquito nets.