Health Department Faces Critical Shortage of Resources to Combat Diseases
Despite ongoing awareness efforts, the health department in Jamshedpur struggles with a severe shortage of resources to effectively combat mosquito-borne diseases.
JAMSHEDPUR – With the onset of the monsoon, the district administration and health department are holding a series of meetings to raise awareness about mosquito-borne diseases.
Despite the awareness efforts, the health department faces a severe shortage of resources to combat these diseases effectively.
The department has been without anti-larval treatment for the past month, and there is a shortage of staff for spraying the anti-larval chemicals.
While awareness campaigns are ongoing, the ground reality is stark, with six dengue cases already reported in the district.
Resource Shortages and Staff Deficiencies
Pyrethrum is effective for killing mosquitoes, and Temephos is used for larval control.
However, the department currently lacks these essential medicines.
Despite repeated directives from the district administration and health department to spray anti-larval chemicals and raise awareness about dengue, the lack of medicines has stalled all activities.
The filariasis department, responsible for mosquito-borne disease control, is also facing a significant staff shortage.
Out of 48 sanctioned posts, only 17 employees are working.
Some posts have no employees at all, and four staff members have been deputed to other departments, including surveillance, cold chain, and TB departments.
Lack of Technicians and Other Key Positions
The district filariasis department is operating without a technician, and positions for drivers, clerks, and other roles remain vacant.
Currently, the department is focusing on raising awareness about mosquito-borne diseases and providing medication and testing for filariasis.
Out of 36 field worker positions, only 13 are filled, and there are only two field supervisors out of the 12 required.
Dr. A. Mitra, District Malaria Officer, stated, "The process of procuring anti-larval medicines has started, and they will be made available soon. Meanwhile, awareness campaigns are ongoing to educate people about these diseases."
