the goan I network
MAPUSA
The pitter-patter of rains may have brought much consolation from the scorching summer heat, but monsoons also bring seasonal diseases along with it.
During rains, one finds stagnant water all around, which leads to breeding of mosquitoes and a spurt in vector-borne diseases.
Even as the Urban Health Centre in Mapusa has recorded three cases of malaria in June so far, health officials have initiated steps to control spread of vector-borne disease in the municipal jurisdiction during the monsoon.
The Mapusa Health Officer has written to Mapusa Municipal Council and Assistant Director of Transport, Mapusa to remove abandoned vehicles at various locations in the city.
“We have identified at least 37 vehicles abandoned at various places in Mapusa. During the rains, water gets stagnated in such vehicles which leads to breeding of mosquitoes. We have asked the civic body and transport department to take steps to shift the vehicles,” said Dr Sadhana Shetye, Health Officer at UHC, Mapusa.
Interestingly, 8 such vehicles are parked in close proximity of the North Goa District Hospital and at least 8 others near Duler junction and the football ground.
The health centre has issued notices to all workshops dealing in tyres to clear all condemned tyres so that they are not exposed to rains.
Similarly, the health centre has sent a missive to all scrapyard owners urging them to cover their dump sites.
“We have also written to the MMC Chief Officer and Mapusa PI about two huge scrapyards located at Carrasvaddo,” Dr Shetye informed.
The owners of cold drink houses/godowns have also been directed to either dispose off open bottles or cover them.
Health officials will visit all construction sites in the municipal area, as part of their routine work. “Health cards are issued to new workers and those who test positive are immediately put on treatment,” she said.
Similarly, field officers carry out cleanliness drives in every ward and around the city.
“Our staff identifies spots where stagnation of water takes place and adopts anti-larval measures,” the health officer said.
Prevention better than cure
37 abandoned vehicles identified at Mapusa
Workshops asked to clear condemned tyres
Scrapyard owners urged to cover dump sites
Cold drink houses/godowns directed to dispose open bottles or cover them
Construction sites/workers to be inspected
Cleanliness drives to identify stagnant water & adopt anti-larval measures
