Mangaluru: With the cases of Dengue and Malaria being reported from various pockets of the state, State Health Minister U T Khader said that people should be alert and aware rather than being panic-stricken.
                               Health Minister U T Khader addressing the press conference at Circuit House

Addressing a press conference at Circuit House, Mangaluru on Monday, June 13, Khader said that health department staff will visit all the houses to spread awareness about the deadly diseases which are very common during rainy season.

“We have held talks with the medical colleges and private hospitals at the district and the taluk-levels with regard to tackling the issue and about the precautionary measures to be taken during rainy season.

” A nodal officer will be appointed to every district to supervise the work. Moreover, three mobile vans will also be given to every district which contains testing system and pesticides spray,” he said.

He further said that out of 64 Primary Health Centre’s (PHC) 9 PHC don’t have doctors. Private hospital doctors have agreed to serve in those centres temporarily. Steps have been taken to compile the details of patients admitted to private hospitals with signs of dengue and malaria.

“Laboratories can charge a maximum amount of Rs 500 for the tests and in case the labs charge beyond the stipulated amount, then it can be brought to the notice of the District Health Officer (DHO). Immediate action will be taken against those Laboratories,” he added.

Outdated drugs

Commenting on the issue of drugs stocked in the state beyond expiry date, Khader said that such drugs amounting to over Rs 10 cr are stocked in the state, mainly because drugs have not been disposed over the last 13 years.

He further continued saying that there was no proper norms to dispose the drugs. Now Expired Drug Disposal policy has been adapted and accordingly tender would be floated to hand over the responsibility on contract. An environmental expert will accompany them while the disposing the drugs.

Mangaluru Taluk Panchayat President Mohammed Monu, and others were present.