Less than 10 per cent tested for malaria
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 16 2011: According to reports, out of the total population of Manipur who suffer from fever from time to time, not up to 10 per cent have been tested for malaria.

Under the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (VBDCP), blood samples of people suffering from fever should be collected and tested to check whether or not they are malaria positive.

The VBDCP has set a national level target of conducting blood sample test for at least 10 per cent of the people suffering from fever and similar symptoms.

Among different States of the country, Manipur has dismal blood test record at just around 5 per cent.

Primary reasons for the low rate of blood test are inability to strengthen surveillance and the flawed system, informed a source.

In Manipur, malaria tests are being conducted at Lamphel under the Directorate of Health Services within the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme.

In other districts, blood tests for malaria are conducted at district hospitals, CHCs, PHCs and PHSCs.

At village level, ASHA's working under NRHM would collect blood samples of people suffering from fever for testing at nearest health centres which have blood testing facilities.

However, the staff assigned to collect and conduct blood test for suspected cases of malaria have been given extra duty including those of National Rural Health Mission.

As such, the existing staff are unable to discharge their duties fully or properly.

It is the patients suffering from fever who come for malaria tests rather than waiting for the deputed staff to come and collect their blood samples.

Inability to collect blood samples is posing a serious impedance to conducting blood test for confirmation of malaria positive or negative as the case may be.

Nevertheless, the Government of India has nevertheless provided adequate equipment under NVBDCP to control malaria and other vector borne diseases.

There is no complaint about the equipment being sub-standard or having shortfalls.

The main problem is shortage of staff working under NVBDCP in Manipur in addition to absence of regular staff, added the official source.

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