MARGAO
The diarrhoea scare has returned to haunt the Cutbona fishing jetty, with the Balli Primary Health Centre reporting that six individuals were identified with symptoms of diarrhoea during an ongoing screening of the migrant workers.
Workers with symptoms of diarrhoea were detected during the screening drive initiated by the Balli PHC at the Cutbona fishing jetty. The workers were immediately taken for medical treatment.
Sources say one of the workers is being admitted at the Goa Medical College and hospital, Bambolim for treatment.
Director of Fisheries Dr Shamila Monteiro said, “we have made screening mandatory for all workers arriving at the Cutbona jetty before they join the fishing vessels”, adding “coordination between the fisheries and health officials have helped to detect symptoms of diarrhoea amongst the workers”.
Saying that prompt medical attention was immediately provided to the affected individuals, and necessary preventive measures have been implemented to prevent any further spread of the illness, Dr Monteiro said, “this swift detection and response highlights the effectiveness of the coordinated efforts by the Department of Fisheries, the Health Department, Fishermen Co-operative Societies, and other key stakeholders, which continues to play a critical role in safeguarding the well-being of all stakeholders.
“In preparation for the lifting of the annual monsoon fishing ban, space was provided at the jetty to facilitate health screenings of individuals, particularly those arriving from out of State to work on fishing vessels. As a mandatory measure, only individuals issued with valid health cards after successful screening are allowed to board the fishing vessels”, she added.
So far, the Balli PHC has screened around 1000-odd migrant workers arriving at the Cutbona fishing jetty. The health team is operating from the fishing jetty.
With not even 50 per cent of the total workforce employed on fishing vessels operating from the Cutbona fishing jetty having reported to the jetty to date, sources said the health team will continue screening the migrant workers for any diseases.
