PONDA: Dog bite cases have suddenly increased in Ponda at an alarming rate. Total 633 dog bite cases have been reported in Ponda from January to May this year, with maximum 134 cases reported last month, Alarmed with the situation, locals have urged the government to control canine menace on a war footing.
Medical Superintendent (M S) of Ponda Sub-district Hospital, Dr Jayshree Marcaikar said dog bite cases have increased in Ponda taluka, with almost 100 to 120 cases are recorded per month. She said the Sub-District Hospital provides treatment, injections in dog bite cases.
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Viraj Sapre, a local social worker, expressed concern and stressed on the need to control the dog population through sterlisation of stray dogs. He said the government should take preventive measures to control attacks from canine menace.
“People living in Ponda taluka are terrorised by chasing dogs. During night time, in case of power failure, dog chasing a person could prove fatal as roads are dug up at various locations and the chances of a mishap due to darkness is very high.
He said some people feed dogs in residential areas in Ponda. “Local bodies need to set up shelter homes for dog feeding as well as sterlisation to control their population,” Sapre said.
He further said the Sub-district Hospital needs better facilities as even for minor cases, patients are referred to GMC.
“There is a dire need for a CT scan machine and blood bank, for which the Pondaites have to either go to GMC or a private hospital by paying hefty fees. What is the use of a sub-district hospital if patients can’t get all facilities at one place?” Sapre asked.
He said the government spends crores of rupees on events, but does not have funds to buy CT scans and have a blood bank.
Hospital M S, Dr Marcaikar however said a proposal has been submitted to government in this regard.
