PANAJI
Top doctors of the Directorate of Health Services and heads of departments of the Goa Medical College and Hospital held a meeting to assess the State’s preparedness to face the threat of vector-borne diseases in the face of heavy early rains and the monsoon already hitting Goa.
Health Minister Vishwajit Rane, who chaired the meeting, said it was held to review departmental functioning and assess the State’s preparedness for vector-borne diseases.
“We discussed a comprehensive action plan with health officials and GMC experts to understand the challenges faced by each department and the current state of facilities,” Rane said.
At the meeting, the top government doctors brainstormed on building a more agile and responsive system to swiftly tackle any health emergencies arising from a potential surge in vector-borne diseases, he added.
Meanwhile, Rane said he will hold individual meetings with each Head of Department at the GMC to identify shortfalls and explore ways to strengthen their respective departments.
“Our goal is to ensure that the people of Goa receive the highest standard of healthcare services,” he said.
The DHS has already launched an intensive campaign to create dengue-related awareness among local communities across the State, with the risk of mosquito breeding sites rising significantly in the wet season.
Advisories have been issued encouraging communities to work to clean up neighbourhoods and eliminate mosquito breeding sites. Local bodies have also been asked to promote fogging operations.
Other personal do’s and don’ts, including the use of mosquito repellents, wearing full-sleeved clothing and sleeping under the protection of mosquito nets at night, are also being publicised.
Seeking professional medical advice from doctors, rather than self-medicating when symptoms like fever, headaches or body pain are experienced, is also being advised.
