In view of the prevalence of dengue fever across the State, Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha led a high-level review meeting on Friday to evaluate the current situation. With the intention of tackling the issue head-on, the Chief Minister gathered key stakeholders to strategize a comprehensive response.
Taking to social media platform Facebook, Chief Minister Saha communicated, “Instances of dengue fever have surfaced in various localities, notably in Dhanpur, over the past few days. The concerned health department is actively addressing the situation and has enacted all necessary precautions. Today, a meeting was convened at the Secretariat with health officials to meticulously assess all facets concerning the dengue outbreak.”
Subsequently, during a press conference, Dr. Debasish Basu, the Secretary of Health and Family Welfare, elaborated on the Chief Minister’s engagement with the current dengue scenario, highlighting the presence of Chief Secretary JK Sinha at the meeting as well.
Dr. Basu expounded, “Dengue fever cases have been identified in Dhanpur since July 13, with a strong likelihood that these cases are linked to migration from Bangladesh. The health department has since initiated a range of proactive measures to impede further dissemination. Our efforts encompass a deployment of medical personnel, paramedics, and healthcare aides in Dhanpur, intensifying our endeavors. Moreover, we have designated a gynaecologist to oversee the care of expectant mothers. As of August 01, there have been a total of 157 confirmed cases of dengue, including 41 cases registered within the last 48 hours. Notably, 35 patients are currently receiving treatment at GB Pant Hospital, with one individual under intensive care.”
Dr. Basu proceeded to disclose that he, alongside the Medical Superintendent of GB Pant Hospital, had visited the facility to interact with patients and their families, ensuring transparent communication.
“We are adequately equipped with resources, boasting a stockpile of more than 1500 ELISA kits. An allocation of Rs 2 lakh has been sanctioned through the National Health Mission to ramp up the production of additional ELISA kits, alongside an ample supply of requisite materials,” appended Dr. Basu.
Furthermore, he emphasized that the health department had implemented an array of preventive measures, encompassing extensive fogging operations and the declaration of an upcoming Sunday as a ‘dry day’ to eradicate stagnant water. Additionally, there has been a noticeable surge in the deployment of healthcare task forces within Dhanpur to address the situation promptly.