Chennai: State health minister Dr C. Vijaya Baskar informed that the vector-borne infectious diseases, such as dengue fever, besides swine flu, zika and ebola are were under control in Tamil Nadu, thanks to the prompt and effective preventive measures initiated by the government led by Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa.
Allying the apprehensions of members, he told the Assembly on Tuesday that the government had allotted Rs 33.6 crore for mosquito control measures. “As a result of all the steps taken by the government, Tamil Nadu is least affected state in the country and the drive will be continued,” he said while replying to a calling attention motion brought by MLAs including Leader of Opposition M.K. Stalin (who was however not present in the Assembly Tuesday).
The minister told the House that Rapid Response Teams have been formed all over the state and public buildings, hotels, parks, cinema theatres, marriage halls, education institutions, factories and other places were being monitored. A coordination committee meeting of various government departments was chaired by the Chief Secretary on July 8 and necessary instructions have been given to the heads of departments.
Urging the public to avoid self medication, the minister said the affected should seek the help of the nearest government health centres. “Pharmacies have been instructed to give medicine only if proper prescription is provided,” he said and added that if more than three persons in a particular area were found with symptoms of fever, the officials would ascertain the cause and take precautionary steps in the area.
Detailing various steps, including increasing the number of centres conducting Elisa test to 75, appointing one staff per 250-500 houses to eliminate mosquitoes, stocking of adequate quantity of repellant sprays and creating awareness among people, Dr. Vijaya Baskar said district collectors have been instructed to remain vigilant and prevent dengue.
