Tackle Seasonal Diseases Effectively, Rajanarsimha Tells Officials

Hyderabad:In order to effectively tackle the rise in seasonal diseases across the state, health minister Damodar Rajanarsimha on Thursday directed heads of departments and district medical and health officers (DMHOs) to go on field visits and submit comprehensive reports on the preventive and remedial measures being taken in districts to combat seasonal diseases.

Chairing a review meeting with officials, he emphasised the importance of using ELISA tests for confirming dengue cases and warned against patronising rapid tests as they could create unnecessary panic. Hospitals found engaging in such practices would face strict action, he warned.

On the issue of misinformation surrounding dengue, Rajanarsimha urged officials to monitor and curb the spread of such false information. He spoke about the importance of conducting door-to-door fever surveys as part of the seasonal disease control measures.

The minister also highlighted the need to collect blood samples from patients and ensure that they receive appropriate treatment.

In a video conference with DMHOs, he asked them to identify high-risk areas and ordered implementation of preventive measures. He suggested the use of oil balls in stagnant water bodies and lakes to prevent breeding of mosquitoes.

He said district control rooms must submit updated reports about the status of seasonal diseases by 6 pm every day. He also suggested weekly reviews with officials from various departments.

In a stern warning, Rajanarsimha cautioned that any negligence in controlling seasonal diseases would result in strict disciplinary action against officials entrusted with the responsibility.

Post the conference, the minister also reviewed the provision of infrastructure and advanced equipment in government medical and nursing colleges. The minister directed Hemant Vasudeva Rao, managing director of Telangana Medical Infrastructure Development Corporation, to ensure that the institutions are equipped with all required facilities and modern equipment.

In a subsequent discussion, the minister addressed the ongoing Jeevandan programme, which promotes organ donation in the state. He urged officials to undertake awareness initiatives to further encourage public participation in the programme. The discussion also covered various aspects of organ transplantation under the Jeevandan scheme.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Christina Z. Chongthu, principal secretary (health and family welfare) and R.V. Karnan, commissioner of public health and family welfare, among others.