Revive Aardram Mission: Kerala Government Medical Officers Association

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Barring big announcements and meetings, nothing much is happening on the ground for prevention and control of infectious diseases alleged Kerala Government Medical Officers Association (KGMOA). The highest incidence of infectious diseases during the last one decade was reported in 2017.  The incidence of dengue rose from 7218 in 2016 to 19994 in 2017, deaths from 21 to 37. Cases of malaria stood at 987 with three deaths and diphtheria cases 70 with three deaths.

The prevalence of infectious diseases was widespread in corporation areas especially the big corporations. Compared to rural areas, the implementation of disease prevention and control programme in urban was poor. "Shortage of staff deployed for preventive activities, lack of medical officers for supervision and entrusting additional responsibilities are some of the reasons for this state of affairs," said Dr Raoof K.A.

According to him the rural areas had so far been able to effectively implement the preventive programmes. However, the flawed implementation of government's flagship programme Ardram Mission had derailed these activities in rural areas. The mission's objectives are well stated; building effective resistance to infectious diseases, training doctors and nursing staff, focusing on life style diseases, respiratory tract problems, depression, maternal care, special clinics and preventive actives.

Instead of working for achieving these objectives, the health department was going ahead with a single point agenda of extending OP timings in primary and family health centres. These factors have almost derailed the disease control activities. The pre-monsoon disease prevention and control activities are carried out in April every year. However, it is yet to begin though a high level meeting was held here on Wednesday under chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan and health minister K.K. Shylaja.

The KGMOA said only blue paint and airport chairs should not be the trade mark of family health centres. If a family health centre is to function efficiently between 9 am to 2 pm, it would require a minimum of three doctors. But extending its time till 6 pm with same staff strength will end up adversely affecting disease control and prevention programmes.

Dr Raoof said though the KGMOA had brought these issues before the health minister and top health authorities, there has been no change on the ground. The association has now demanded chief minister's intervention in bringing Ardram Mission back on track and ensuring the effective implementation of preventive measures.