Deputy Commissioner S.T. Anjan Kumar has instructed Health Department staff to take steps to stop the spread of diseases such as dengue and malaria in the district.
Speaking at a district vigilance committee meeting here on Friday, he said 142 suspected cases of dengue fever had been reported this year, of which 28 had been confirmed and patients were being given treatment.
18 cases last year
Last year, 18 cases were reported and Mr. Kumar alleged that the number of cases had increased owing to the negligence of officers.
“Instead of attending meetings and maintaining files, the officials should create an action plan to stop spread of such diseases and also take steps to create awareness among the people, especially in rural areas where chances of spreading are more owing to unhygienic conditions,” he said.
Expressing displeasure over the functioning of the health officers’ team of the Davangere City Municipal Corporation, the Deputy Commissioner said the team should go the rounds to create awareness among the people to avoid accumulation of water and appeal to the people to maintain cleanliness.
The officers should also check if eateries along the national highway were maintaining hygiene and visit hostels to check the condition of students, Mr. Kumar said.
Creating awareness
Davangere Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer S.B. Bommanhalli told the officers to create awareness among people by distributing pamphlets and conducting street plays and rallies involving Asha workers.
Deputy Commissioner blames officials for the increase in number of cases from last year
