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Hindustan Times
15 hours ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
PMC maps vector-borne disease hotspots for target spraying
Pune: Stepping up its fight towards vector-borne diseases, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) this monsoon has decided to conduct a focused drive and mapped vector disease outbreak-prone areas from past three years. Based on the data, a micro-level plan for insecticide spraying and fumigation has been prepared, said officials on Friday. PMC this monsoon has decided to conduct a focused drive and mapped vector disease outbreak-prone areas from past three years for micro-level insecticide spraying and fumigation. ((PIC FOR REPRESENTATION)) Last year, Pune city reported 5,340 cases of dengue, 485 of chikungunya, 109 of zika virus, and 21 cases of malaria. The civic health department is working in coordination with the state irrigation department, cantonment boards, civic environment department to control the spread of water hyacinth to check mosquito breeding grounds. Dr Rajesh Dighe, assistant health officer, PMC, said the civic body has conducted rallies, poster campaigns, and distributed pamphlets to raise public awareness. 'PMC has identified 33,474 permanent and 37,874 temporary breeding spots,' he said. According to PMC officials, during the container surveys, the civic body this year has issued notices to 814 individuals and establishments found responsible for mosquito breeding and ₹ 96,300 fine was collected. Accredited social health activists (ASHAs) will be provided with blood sample collection kits for early malaria detection. MJ Pradeep Chandran, additional municipal commissioner, PMC has directed all departments to support the health department's efforts during the monsoon. Dengue testing capped at ₹ 600 PMC has issued orders to private hospitals and laboratories not to charge more than ₹ 600 for NS1 ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay), and MAC ELISA tests used for confirming dengue. The order affirms Maharashtra government's resolution issued in 2016, putting a blanket cap of ₹ 600 for the tests. They have been instructed to alert suspected and confirmed cases to PMC.
Hindustan Times
17-05-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
PMC conducts awareness campaign on occasion of National Dengue Day
Following the central government's directive, the health department of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) on the occasion of National Dengue Day on Friday conducted an awareness campaign aimed at encouraging public participation in the prevention and control of dengue fever. This year's theme for National Dengue Day was 'Check, Clean and Cover' highlighting the importance of personal responsibility in preventing mosquito breeding. The Aedes aegypti mosquito, responsible for spreading dengue, typically breeds in clean, standing water found in and around homes. Health officials urged citizens to take preventive steps at the individual level to eliminate mosquito breeding. To commemorate the day, the insect control department of the PMC organised an awareness campaign through its 15 ward offices. Morning rallies were held in various localities with participants chanting the slogan, 'Check, Clean and Cover' to spread awareness among the public. Besides, pamphlets and leaflets were distributed to educate people about the symptoms, causes, and prevention of dengue. Dr Rajesh Dighe, assistant health officer of the PMC, said, 'A large number of stickers with dengue prevention messages were pasted at vegetable markets, labour colonies, and bus stops to reach a wider audience. In some locations, citizens were shown live demonstrations of guppy fish and mosquito breeding to understand the process better. Currently, no dengue cases have been reported.' Officials said private doctors were asked to inform the PMC when dengue cases are diagnosed. Citizens have been instructed to regularly change the water in flower pots, money plants, refrigerator trays, and coolers. They have also been urged to avoid placing plates under flowerpots to avoid mosquito breeding. Furthermore, citizens have been advised to avoid storing unused containers, coconut shells, tyres, and other junk material in the terrace as water collects in these turning into mosquito breeding sites. Households with tin roofs or tarpaulin coverings have been asked not to let rainwater accumulate. Besides, all water containers should be cleaned and dried once a week to destroy mosquito eggs that cling to the surface, officials said. Dr Nina Borade, health chief of the PMC, urged every household to observe a 'dry day' once every week to clean and dry out all water containers. 'The dengue-spreading Aedes aegypti mosquito bites during the day. Citizens should wear full-sleeved clothing, use mosquito repellents, and sleep under mosquito nets during the daytime, especially those who rest or work indoors,' Dr Borade said.
Hindustan Times
25-04-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Pune civic body to conduct immunisation drive for Haj pilgrims on April 26
The health department of Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) will conduct a vaccination drive for pilgrims travelling for the Haj pilgrimage at Azam Campus, Pune, on Saturday, said the officials. The immunisation drive will be held at the Unani Hospital, Azam Campus, Camp between 9 am and 5 pm. The list of eligible Haj pilgrims has already been received by PMC from the state government. As many as 1,503 pilgrims will be vaccinated, said the officials. Dr Rajesh Dighe, assistant health officer and city immunisation officer, PMC, said, 'All listed pilgrims will be administered the Polio vaccine (orally) and the Meningitis vaccine (via injection). Pregnant women will be exempt from the vaccination. Also, pilgrims above the age of 65 with underlying health conditions will be given the Influenza vaccine as per government guidelines.' As per PMC officials, a team of 8 doctors, 23 nurses, 10 data entry operators, and 10 attendants has been appointed. Dr Nina Borade, health chief of PMC, has appealed to all pilgrims to eat before coming for vaccination. 'All Haj pilgrims should carry photocopies of their passports and medical certificates. Besides, they should report to the vaccination centre at the time mentioned in their designated time slots to avoid inconvenience,' she said.
