MEDICAL DEPARTENT OF EASTERN RAILWAY TAKES PROACTIVE MEASURES TO PREVENT DENGUE*

Reported By: Journalist Faizul Shaikh

*Kolkata, October 10, 2023*

The Eastern Railway, under the vigilant oversight of its Medical Department, is taking robust measures to combat the threat of Dengue in 2023. These measures are being implemented across various key locations, including 4 divisions viz. Sealdah, Howrah, Asansol, Malda, and workshops like Liluah, Kanchrapara, and Jamalpur to ensure the safety and well-being of railway beneficiaries and the surrounding communities.

The Medical Department of Eastern Railway took several proactive measures to combat the spread of dengue, which include the following:

• Awareness campaign has been done to Railway Beneficiaries about measures to be adopted for Source Reduction for prevention of Dengue (like use of mosquito nets and avoid stagnation of water in pots, unused tires. Plastics cup bottles, garbage, stagnation of water at rooftop & surrounding areas). 

• Leaflets distribution and door to door campaign is being done about dengue and other mosquito borne diseases. Several rallies have been organized in colonies with banners to raise awareness. Miking has been done in various railway colonies with audio material.

• Gambusia fishes are being used as anti-larval measures in ponds and water bodies where water remains stagnant.

• Anti-adult and anti-larvae spray are being done regularly in Hospital, Health Units , Colonies and stations under jurisdiction of Medical Department. Cleaning of Drains and areas with disposal of garbage at nominated places is being done on daily basis.

• LLIN (long lasting insecticide impregnated mosquito net) are being procured at Asansol Division for distribution to prevent mosquito borne disease.

• Aerial Fogging is being done in various places, as & when required.

• Regular liaison is being maintained with state health authority and concerned Municipal Authorities regarding dengue control. A WhatsApp group has been created at many Division.

Engineering department has been informed to take adequate measure for repair of damaged and broken drains to ensure proper drainage to avoid stagnation of water. They have also been requested to intensify bush and jungle cutting activities in colony area.

Kaushik Mitra

(Chief Public Relations Office)