Ker for multi-phased action plan to check contagious diseases

The Kerala government today decided to launch an intensified action programme by stepping up sanitation drive to check the spread of various types of contagious diseases ahead of the monsoon season.
A high-level meeting here, chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, drew out a detailed plan to implement the multi-phased initiative.
The ambitious programme would be implemented by giving thrust to mosquito eradication,Vijayan said after the meeting.
The decision assumes significance as the southern state used to witness the spread of various vector borne diseases like dengue and chikungunya during the monsoon season.
In a Facebook post, the Chief Minister said state ministers would be given charge of each district to monitor the implementation of the programme.

The first phase of the drive would begin next month with the coordination of various departments including Health, Public Works, Labour and Forest, he said.

Detailing the programme, Vijayan said a state-wide campaign would be carried out with the cooperation of local self government institutions for the success of the drive.
Under the initiative, the work of ward-level health committees would be strengthened, health workers would be given special training and medical camps would be carried out for migrant labourers, he said.
Steps would be taken to give mandatory vaccination to pet animals and technical support would be imparted for the vaccination and sterilisation of stray dogs, Vijayan said, adding that the initiatives would be implemented with the support of local people.

The participation of teachers and students would also be ensured in awareness campaigns in this regard, he added.
Health Secretary Rajeev Sadanandan presented the action plan at the meeting, attended by ministers K K Shylaja, A K Balan, T P Ramakrishnan, G Sudhakaran, K T Jaleel, K Raju and C Raveendranath.