Hyderabad: Waking up to rising dengue cases, GHMC rolls out preventive measures; experts cautious

Hyderabad: Waking up to rising dengue cases, Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has rolled out a slew of measures to counter the vector-borne diseases.

The corporation has listed out measures including anti-larval operations in 4846 colonies identified, fogging, special drives at hot spots, random visits by deputy commissioners to dengue-positive areas, and IEC programs in schools and colleges.

Telangana being the most affected state by dengue, the measures have been welcomed by medical professionals However, experts point out that they remain inadequate The Corporation has not insisted on the doctors and hospitals reporting the positive cases.

The experts point to burdening the entomology workers for the anti-dengue operations which could affect the effectiveness of the whole drive, while referring to the insufficient awareness programs planned.

Measures announced after a review meeting

After the review meeting held on July 2, the GHMC released a set of preventive measures to contain the dengue spread after discussing the action plan.

The number of dengue cases increased beyond 880 by the end of June, the experts warned of a worsening scenario with increasing rainfall due to the monsoon.

Dr. Madap Karuna, a pediatrician and a researcher in dengue cases said, “The action plan must be implemented properly to achieve the desired result”.

Burdening of entomology staff

The action plan directs each entomology worker to visit 3 colonies in 6 days, meeting with stakeholders in localities among other activities including regular meetings with health officials and camps.

“Most of the burden is on the entomology staff. This may lead to the suppression of positive cases. With very little manpower and the reluctance of people to permit unknown workers to their homes, the effectiveness of measures may be diluted”, Dr Karuna said.

‘Ensure reporting of positive and testing of cases’

Despite several instructions from the GHMC, Dr Karuna questioned whether the corporation has instructed the doctors and hospitals to report the positive cases. Questions are also being raised on the existing coordination between the GHMC, public health department, and IMA for effective immediate management.

“The public health department is also not asking for the number of positive cases to be updated on the website daily. How many hospitals are sending the suspected positive case to the Institute of Preventive Medicine (IPM) for confirmation?” he asked.

The request to create awareness through mainstream, mass, and social media of the recurring epidemic is not being implemented.

The decision to immediately address the complaints received through the GHMC online, My GHMC app, emails, and other social media platforms, along with the field visit by respective officials to lakes and involvement of women's self-help groups are seen as welcome measures.