PANJIM: Against the backdrop of panic over a dengue outbreak in the State, Directorate of Health Services (DHS) has proposed that the government constitute an inter-departmental committee comprising the health department and local bodies in a bid to tackle the situation.
The State recorded 1,468 suspected and 217 confirmed cases from January to September this year. Of the confirmed cases, four patients lost their lives, wherein three deaths were due to other complications.
In what could raise worry among Margao residents, the town has seen the maximum of 314 suspected cases, while Vasco reported 134 and Panjim 74 cases.
Health Minister Vishwajit Rane on Monday slammed lack of co-ordination among the concerned agencies to deal with the problem. “I have written to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and also met him proposing the idea to constitute an Inter-Departmental Committee under the Chief Secretary. It will comprise of secretaries from village panchayats and municipalities, besides Secretary from Health Department,” he said.
He added, “We are taking our responsibility seriously, however, local bodies should also undertake the responsibility. The committee is proposed to make a coordinated effort to frequently check and remove stagnant water is their respective areas, and undertake all preventive measures.”
The minister asserted that DHS has been strict and acting against any commercial or residential premises that have not been adhering to health guidelines in keeping their surrounding clean. At the same time, the primary and community health centres have been on their toes in treating suspected and/or confirmed cases reported in their respective jurisdictions.
Reacting to the death of a 24-year-old entrepreneur Yash Salgaonkar, Rane said that the death was due to cardiac arrest, even as he was undergoing treatment for dengue about a week ago. “I sympathise with the Salgaonkar family for the death of the young man. His death was, however, not due to dengue, it is because of other complications, because his sugar level had escalated. He died due to cardiac arrest,” he said, confirming that he was briefed about the 24-year-old’s health history by the treating doctor at a private hospital.
The minister has allayed apprehensions surrounding the problem reiterating that the doctors are working overtime.
As per data shared during the media interaction, the State has recorded fewer suspected and confirmed cases in 2019 till September, as compared to the corresponding period last year. While last year one death was reported, this year there have been four, including three deaths due to complications.
In what could raise worry among Margao residents, the town has seen the maximum of 314 suspected cases while Vasco has reported 134 and Panjim 74 cases.
