The rains are about to catch up with summer, and the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is strapping up its defences against the onset of infectious diseases normally triggered by heavy rains. From water-borne diseases like cholera and typhoid to mosquito-borne ones like dengue and chikungunya, the civic body is going all out for public health.
Monsoon Readiness in Full Swing
To enhance its preparedness, the PMC on May 16 organised a training session for all zonal and ward-level medical officers as well as healthcare professionals from PMC-run clinics and hospitals. The session focused on quick response strategies to control infectious diseases.
In addition, PMC hospitals and clinics have been directed to stock up on essential medicine kits for the timely treatment of infections. This is part of an initiative to ensure that healthcare facilities are well-equipped ahead of any outbreak.
Special Care Facilities Set Up
Dr. Vaishali Jadhav, Assistant Health Officer, PMC, announced the opening of a dedicated 50-bed ward with round-the-clock medical services at Naidu Infectious Diseases Hospital. The ward has been set up to effectively manage suspected or confirmed cases of infectious diseases.
She also highlighted the establishment of an epidemic control cell at the PMC level, which will monitor and respond promptly to any cases reported across the city.
We have set up an Epidemic Control Cell at the PMC level to manage any potential outbreaks reported in the cityDr. Vaishali Jadhav, Assistant Health Officer, PMC.
Public advisory: Stay alert, seek help early.
The Public has been urged to avoid self-medication, especially when experiencing symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or fever, by PMC health chief Dr. Nina Borade.
“Citizens with problems like vomiting, diarrhoea, or fever should seek immediate medical attention. Treatment is available at all PMC hospitals and Dr. Naidu Hospital. Besides, all private medical practitioners are instructed to report cases of cholera, typhoid, gastroenteritis, dysentery, jaundice, dengue, chikungunya, malaria, COVID-19, and H1N1 to the PMC Health Department without delay,” she added.
Private medical practitioners across Pune have also been instructed to report any suspected cases of communicable diseases, including COVID-19, H1N1, malaria, and dengue, directly to the PMC health department.
How to stay safe this monsoon
Simple habits to protect your health
Drink only clean, filtered, or boiled water.
Avoid eating food exposed to flies or left uncovered.
Use mosquito repellent and wear full-sleeved clothing.
Keep your surroundings clean to prevent mosquito breeding
With these collective efforts and public support, PMC hopes to reduce health risks during the rainy season.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Muhammad Faisal Arshad/MSM)