Bengaluru Grapples with a Surge in Dengue Cases: Health Minister Urges Vigilance
Published on Sep 08, 2023 04:46 PM IST
In a stark revelation, Karnataka’s Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Dinesh Gundu Rao, has sounded the alarm as Bengaluru city grapples with a staggering surge in dengue cases. Over the course of just two months, Bengaluru has reported an alarming tally of more than 3,200 cases of dengue fever. This concerning spike has prompted the state’s health minister to call for intensified efforts to combat the spread of this viral disease.
The statistics are sobering. During the months of July and August, Bengaluru witnessed a staggering 1,649 and 1,590 dengue cases, respectively. As we move into September, the onslaught shows no sign of abating, with an additional 416 cases already reported.
Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has swiftly taken action to address this public health crisis. He convened a crucial meeting with officials from Bengaluru’s civic and administrative body, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), to formulate a strategic plan to curtail the spread of dengue. This high-level meeting was attended by BBMP Chief Commissioner Tushar Giri Nath and other senior officers.
During this meeting, Minister Rao issued a series of directives aimed at combating the dengue outbreak. These directives include a substantial increase in dengue testing capacity at BBMP’s six “high-tech” laboratories. Additionally, vector control measures are being intensified, including the strategic application of pesticides throughout the city to eliminate the mosquitoes responsible for carrying the dengue virus.
One of the primary factors behind this alarming surge in dengue cases, as identified by Minister Rao, is stagnant rainwater. The minister has emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “I have given directions to the officials to work diligently to control dengue. This month, the cases have risen significantly. We have taken it seriously and have now issued instructions to take immediate measures.”
Recognizing the critical role played by healthcare workers in addressing this crisis, Minister Rao has also announced an increase in the salaries of healthcare personnel, including Auxiliary Nurses and Midwives (ANM). Their monthly wages will see a substantial hike, rising from ₹12,000 to ₹18,000. This move aims to motivate and incentivize these frontline workers who are vital in the battle against dengue.
The minister elaborated on this decision, stating, “They (BBMP) have indicated that ANMs and other healthcare workers are reluctant to come forward due to low pay. We have taken this into account and decided to allocate an additional ₹6,000 from our department. This will facilitate the recruitment of more healthcare professionals to bolster our efforts in combating dengue.”
As Bengaluru grapples with this sudden and alarming rise in dengue cases, the state’s health machinery is in full swing to contain the outbreak. Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao’s proactive approach, coupled with strategic measures and increased support for healthcare workers, is poised to make a significant impact in the fight against dengue in the city. Vigilance and community cooperation are essential in these trying times as Bengaluru strives to overcome this public health challenge.
Hope you loved our blog on Bengaluru Grapples with a Surge in Dengue Cases: Health Minister Urges Vigilance
Do Follow Us On Twitter – https://twitter.com/Uniqverses708
We Have a Wide Range of Unique information For You On Uniqverses.com
Please like, comment & Share if you want us to keep bringing these amazing and unique information for you.
