MAPUSA
Amidst rising cases of dengue in Calangute-Candolim coastal belt, the government has transferred Health Officer Dr Vidya Parab from Candolim to Aldona Primary Health Centre (PHC), while Dr Roshan Nazareth from the Aldona PHC has been transferred to Candolim PHC.
The sudden spurt in dengue cases in the coastal areas of Calangute and Candolim had drawn the concern of health authorities.
While a steady rise in the number of dengue cases was reported in Nerul, Candolim and other areas, the sudden spurt in cases in Calangute had become a cause for concern.
Last month a 30-year-old woman from Candolim was reported to have died of dengue in Goa Medical College and Hospital.
The sudden spurt in dengue cases forced the Calangute panchayat to open a blood testing facility in the panchayat premises from September 1. Within 18 days, the panchayat conducted a total of 397 tests and received 94 positive cases for dengue in the village.
As dengue cases within the jurisdiction of Candolim PHC began to rise, there were complaints against the Candolim Health Officer for not doing enough to control the outbreak in the village.
Two days ago, Calangute Sarpanch Joseph Sequeira also blamed the Health Officer for the rise of dengue cases in Calangute.
Several locals also expressed concern over the steady rise in dengue positive cases in the beach village.
“Yesterday, two of my neighbours were admitted after testing positive for dengue. The total number of dengue cases, including myself, has gone up to seven in our area. The health authorities are not concerned. Not even once the sanitary inspector has visited the homes infected by dengue or to check the surroundings,” said Antonio De Souza, a resident of Gauravaddo, Calangute.
Dr Roshan Nazareth has been credited for handling the dengue cases quite well when he was earlier incharge of the Candolim PHC. He also received accolades for handling of Covid pandemic in the coastal health centre.
