BMC conducts medical camps to avoid Dengue outbreak
Medical teams are monitoring the health of people in localities prone to monsoon related diseases
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) seems to be taking all the possible measures to avoid an outbreak of dengue in the city. In wake of the rising number of dengue related deaths in the capital, the BMC’s health department has started sending medical teams to various localities in the city which are prone to monsoon related diseases.
Over 16-20 medical teams from BYL Nair and Sion Hospital are being sent on a daily basis to monitor and study the health situation at various places in Mumbai. Each team consisting of five doctors and two ambulances visited areas like Antop Hill, Jaibharat Nagar, Sion, Rawali Camp, Madanpura, Agripada, Arthur Road and Saat rasta.
At Saat Rasta yesterday Dr. Gajanan D. Velhal from Nair Hospital led a medical team where more than 900 people were treated and diagnosed for dengue and malaria at the Simplex Mill compound. The majority of people diagnosed here were construction workers from E. Billimoria Constructions as well as nearby residents.
“Since the few weeks, the BMC has been getting reports from various hospitals about suspected dengue and Malaria cases. We have been keeping a close watch over the number of the cases received from these places. Infact our teams have also visited places like Tulsiwadi and Nagpada in south Mumbai,” said Dr. Velhal.
“There are over 800 construction workers here, of which 600 workers stay at the construction site itself. Those who have been diagnosed as suspected malaria case have been referred to the nearby hospital to be treated. The ambulances also ready to deal with an emergency. Patients here are complaining of headaches, body aches and minor problems. The main problem at the construction sites is that water gets accumulated at these places due to construction activity giving scope for mosquito breeding,” he continued.
Interestingly, the BMC medical team here is also accompanied by the three officers of BMC’s Malaria Prevention Department (MPD). Vanav Gunaji Jadhav, officer of MPD says, “We are collecting blood samples from the residents to check for malaria and dengue. If the blood reports are positive we will call the patient to the hospital for treatment.”
Residents of the area felt that such camps should be conducted on a regular basis. Mosauli Tekke, a construction worker at the site said, “Since morning, I have been feeling feverish and having a headache. Since I didn’t want to take chances, I thought of seeking medical assistance from the doctors at this medical camp. They have conducted the blood tests and the reports will be out tomorrow. I hope that I am not tested positive for dengue.”
Another patient, Chandrakant Dandekar, a resident of Patra Chawl in Saat Rasta says, “These camps are good if they are conducted regularly. The BMC conducts such medicals camps only after there is an outbreak of a disease. What is the use of such camps when people have started dieing? I am feeling weak since yesterday and it worsened today. That’s why I thought that I will
get diagnosed at this medical camp. The doctors have conducted the blood tests and they will give the reports tomorrow.”
Speaking about the medical camps conducted by the BMC, Dr.Jayaraj Thanekar, Executive Health Officer of BMC said, “Medical camps have also been conducted in Sarvoday Nagar in Bhandup, Amar Nagar, Darga zopadpatti in Mulund, Pushpa Park in Malad, Shivshakti Nagar, and Dharavi. In all, 2,039 people were examined and treated at these camps in the city and 179 ORS packets (oral medication) and 300 chlorine tablets were distributed. Ward Pest Control Officers are also carrying out extensive anti-mosquito and anti fly measures in these areas in addition to their other routine areas. From July 5 to October 18, the insecticide branch has carried out fogging operations in 978 bastis. Fogging operations were repeated in 4,937 bastis as a measure of extra precaution.”