Rising dengue cases: Karnataka govt. issues directive to gram panchayats to implement protocols
Bengaluru, July 8 (PTI): The Karnataka government on Monday issued a directive mandating all gram panchayats to implement protocols to manage dengue cases, with specific emphasis on ensuring regular cleaning of water storage tanks, open reservoirs, and public toilets to maintain sanitation standards.
Minister of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, Priyank Kharge advised gram panchayats to establish "Village Health, Sanitation and Nutrition Committees" to actively promote dengue control initiatives.
He also directed them to adopt precautionary measures promptly.
As per health department data, Karnataka has till last evening recorded 7,165 dengue positive cases since January this year, with areas coming under the city civic body, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), accounting for the largest at 1,988.
On Sunday, the State reported 159 fresh dengue infection cases, including 80 from BBMP areas.
In an effort to curb the spread of dengue in rural areas and effectively control dengue cases, several urgent measures have been outlined by the Minister, as per which the gram panchayats are instructed to: conduct weekly sanitation checks and ensure the proper cleaning of water storage tanks, open reservoirs, and public toilets to prevent water stagnation; and ensure swift and safe drainage of rainwater to prevent it from becoming a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
And also maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in homes, shops, hotels, commercial complexes, public spaces, and vacant lands to prevent long-term water accumulation and ensure proper waste management practices, his office said in a release.
Kharge also stressed the importance of maintaining operational control valves in water supply systems to prevent water stagnation and control mosquito breeding.
"Gram panchayats are advised to strictly adhere to these guidelines to prevent the spread of dengue fever in rural areas. It is recommended to ensure existing wells and water supply systems are equipped with proper control valves to prevent mosquito breeding and ensure adequate water flow," the directive said.
To effectively manage dengue cases, it is imperative that gram panchayats conduct proper maintenance of wells and water supply systems to prevent water stagnation and minimise mosquito breeding, it was stated.
The Minister also emphasised the importance of raising awareness through health education programmes organised by gram panchayats, involving community health volunteers, women's self-help groups, and local educational institutions to educate residents on dengue control measures.
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Woman in labour dies while being transported in ambulance lacking oxygen support
Palghar (PTI): A 26-year-old pregnant woman from Maharashtra's Palghar district died while being taken to hospital in an ambulance which was not equipped with oxygen and other necessary facilities, authorities said on Wednesday.
Palghar's Civil Surgeon Dr Ramdas Marad said the health department has repeatedly raised concerns with authorities about the lack of specialised ambulances in the region.
The woman, who was in labour pain, was brought to a rural hospital here in a critical state on Tuesday evening.
"If she had come earlier, we could have saved her," the health official said.
Palghar Lok Sabha member Dr Hemant Savara said the health department should take necessary action into the matter and ambulance services should have adequate facilities.
Pinki Dongarkar, resident of Sarni village, went into labour on Tuesday evening.
Her family immediately rushed her to Kasa rural hospital, but due to the critical nature of her condition, the staff there referred her to neighbouring Silvassa city (in the Union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu) for further medical attention.
However, despite frantic attempts by her family to secure an ambulance equipped with oxygen and necessary medical facilities through the '108' emergency service, their requests went unanswered, a health official said.
They were eventually provided with a regular ambulance by the Kasa rural hospital.
While en route to Silvassa, the woman succumbed to complications and the foetus also did not survive, health officials confirmed.
Dr Marad said the woman was brought to the Kasa rural hospital in a critical state.
According to him, the woman suffered from a condition called Intrauterine Fetal Death (IUFD), where the foetus died in the womb. The exact time of the foetal death could not be determined.
Upon arrival at the hospital, the woman was semi-conscious and showed signs of severe infection.
On issues with the 108 emergency ambulance services, which are privately operated, Dr Marad said the ambulance might have been unavailable due to high demand.
The health department has repeatedly raised concerns with authorities about the lack of specialised ambulances in the region, he said.
Talking to PTI, Palghar BJP MP Savara said, "This is a very sad incident. The health department should take necessary action in this connection. Also, such an incident should not happen in future for this reason."
"The ambulance services should have adequate oxygen and cardiac support facilities. Also, a doctor is required to accompany the patient. I will follow it up with the government," he said.
CPI (M) leader Vinod Nikole, the newly-elected assembly member from Dahanu in Palghar, said he had raised the issue in the House during his last term, but no action was taken.
He criticised the government over "indifference" towards improving healthcare facilities, particularly in tribal areas, and accused the state of prioritising other programmes, such as the Ladki Bahin Yojana, over the urgent needs of healthcare in rural regions.
