Manipur on the map of diseases ; Time for the Govt to act
- The Sangai Express Editorial :: October 10 2015 -

Rabies, Bird Flu, Swine Flu and now Dengue.

Top this off with HIV/AIDS, Malaria and other ailments and certainly Manipur is right up there on the map of diseases.

As things stand today, Dengue has already infected 15 people, with Churachandpur leading the way with 10 people testing positive followed with two from Senapati district, two from Moreh in Chandel district and one in Sekta in Imphal East.

The number could be more as not all suspected cases would have been tested for Dengue.

Given the fact that Dengue is transmitted through mosquito bites, there is the distinct possibility of the number of infected persons increasing and this is where questions may be raised on the understanding of public health.

More particularly how well equipped are the Government hospitals to deal with this disease ? So far there is nothing much to suggest that the State Government or the State Medical Department has gone on the offensive against the said disease.

Maybe the number of infected persons is yet to reach the alarm point, but there will be nothing wrong in sounding a word of caution for everyone now.

Prevention is definitely the best option before the people and this is where the Medical Department can step in and issue the necessary directives or suggestions for the people to follow.

Already 15 people infected in a place which has a population of 27/28 lakh and surely the proportion may be said to be of concern.

Moreover it also stands that the climatic condition in Manipur is conducive for mosquitos and the natural question that follows is whether the State Government is waiting for more positive cases to take up the matter on a war footing.

Not every Dengue case will be fatal. This is a given, but what is stopping the relevant department and the State Government from going all out on a publicity drive to educate the public ?

What should the people do when anyone is down with fever ?

Just take the regular medicine prescribed for fever or go to the nearest medical centre to get the necessary test done ?

This is the time when the Government should be putting its best foot forward to educate the public on the course of action they should take in case anyone comes down with fever.

Moreover what are the immediate steps that the people can do when anyone comes with down with fever ?

This is the time to use the mass media to educate the public on the course of action that should be taken up in the event of any suspect cases. So far the Government has remained mum and this is surprising and at the same time unacceptable.

Is the Government waiting for things to take a turn for the worse before it starts responding to the situation ?

This is also the time for the people to come to the point that they too have responsibilities when it comes to public health.

Sure not all are experts, but the least the public can do is keep the environment clean and put in efforts to clear the garbage that have clogged the drains and waterways.

Still water is the best place for mosquitos to breed. And it remains that the people too are responsible for all the piling garbage that have clogged the natural water ways.