Vijayawada: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu sought details on seasonal diseases and tribal health at a meeting at his camp office in Vijayawada on Thursday. The officials presented district-wise data and a comparison with other states in India. The measures taken and schemes being implemented for treatment and prevention of malaria, dengue, swine flu and vector-borne diseases were also discussed.
The Chief Minister insisted that such a review meeting be held every month, with knowledge partners, service providers, primary healthcare centres (PHCs). This year, the state has recorded 14,679 cases of malaria, which is lesser than the numbers recorded last year in many of the districts, especially Visakhapatnam, Srikakulam and West Godavari.
There have been 2,642 cases of dengue recorded this year, which is less than most of the southern states (Kerala - 16,530, Tamil Nadu - 6,919). The district-wise study shows that the incidences have increased in six districts, including Guntur, Prakasam, Nellore and Chittoor. It has reduced in Visakhapatnam, Srikakulam and Krishna considerably. Officials reported that awareness on seasonal diseases is being spread through Chandranna Sanchara Chikitsa vehicles. Habits to improve personal hygiene, safe waste disposal, avoid open defacation and consume clean food and water are being told to the people.
The Chief Minister said that four departments -- health & family welfare, tribal welfare, MA & UD and panchayat raj, must work together efficiently. Drinking water, sanitation, anti-mosquito and anti-larval sprays are some of the intitiatives that are being coordinated by different departments. Officials also reported that the MR vaccination campaign was a success this year, as the state achieved 92.58% of the target.
The NTR Vaidya Pariksha was availed by 40,93,463 patients so far. The Thalli- Bidda Express service has ensured that 2,45,798 women have been dropped to their homes, post-delivery. Over 1,62,241 NTR Baby Kits have been distributed in public health facilities as part of which necessary things useful to new born babies and mothers were given.
