Special squads to check water

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With the summer at its worse, the district medical office (DMO) has given strict direction to check the quality of drinking water served in the state capital. The special squads under the DMO will check at the educational institutions, hotels, roadside eateries and juice shops coming under every PHCs and CHCs in the district.  

DMO has launched an awareness campaign at educational institutions across the district. Thiruvananthapuram District Medical Officer Preetha P.P. told DC that with the advent of summer there is a small spike in the Hepatitis cases in the state capital. “Ensuring safe and clean drinking water is the only way to overcome summer without any major disease outbreaks. We have given strict direction to our health squads to step up surveillance in their region,” said Preetha.

“We carried out inspections and found out that most of the juice shops are using unsafe drinking water. Our health squad carries a kit to check the quality of drinking water. We have issued notices to many juice shops and follow up inspections will be held,” said Preetha.

She said that as part of the school health programme awareness classes will be held for students on the importance of drinking clean and safe drinking water. “The best way to stay healthy is carrying a bottle of water from home. Avoid depending on juice shops,” she added.