Kozhikode: Now, migrant labour pass on health risks

KOZHIKODE: The migrant screening team (MST) of the health department has found several people with symptoms of leprosy, filariasis, malaria and fever in the district.  During last six weeks of their inspection, they detected 70 cases of filariasis. Adding to the woe is the highest number of leprosy, malaria and fever cases. In just one inspection in Thazhakudi Panchayath, they found 45 suspected cases of Malaria, of which 27 were confirmed during the last three months. 

"An estimated 35,515 inter-state migrant workers are living in different parts of the district, and we have already conducted raids in 774 camps," district medical officer Dr V. Jayasree told DC. "Of this, 314 were in pathetic condition, where we have traced out the presence of epidemics and other communicable diseases. We are yet to get details of many other panchayats and municipalities. We'll make a plan on their living and health conditions based on this. The MST functions during night hours."

The DMO said workers with symptoms of filariasis and malaria were kept under observation before sending them for treatment. The medical department has served notice on 314 owners of unhygienic camps to improve facilities and remove all the garbage and filth on their premises in two days.  "If they fail to comply, we will be forced to shut them down," she said.