NMC begins health surveillance, surveys 1,762 houses in rain-affected areas

Nagpur: In view of incessant rainfall between July 7 and 9 that led to waterlogging in several parts of the city, the civic body has stepped up health surveillance and preventive measures to safeguard citizens from waterborne and vector-borne diseases

As part of this effort, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) Health Department surveyed 1,762 houses across 10 zones, deploying 17 medical teams. Water samples collected from 15 locations in affected areas were tested and found safe for drinking. To prevent the spread of diseases, chlorine drops were administered in 747 houses, while Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) packets were distributed in 130 homes.

Municipal commissioner and administrator Dr Abhijeet Chaudhari, additional commissioner Vasumana Pant, and medical health officer Dr Deepak Selokar are overseeing the operations. The surveys covered flood-affected areas in zones including Laxmi Nagar, Dharampeth, Hanuman Nagar, Dhantoli, Nehru Nagar, Gandhibagh, Satranjipura, Lakadganj, Ashi Nagar, and Mangalwari.

Health officials urged citizens to remain vigilant, as the monsoon season is prone to the spread of diseases like cholera, typhoid, gastroenteritis, jaundice and other infections due to contamination of water and food.

"Residents must take proper precautions to stay healthy during monsoon. Anyone showing symptoms of waterborne or vector-borne diseases should immediately see the doctor," said Dr Selokar. Free treatment is available at NMC's 59 Urban Primary Health Centres and 79 Urban Health Posts.

NMC has instructed street vendors selling snacks like bhel puri and pani puri to ensure they use clean water, chlorine tablets, and gloves while preparing food. Private medical practitioners have been asked to promptly inform the NMC Health Department about any patients with symptoms of waterborne diseases.

To prevent mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue and malaria, residents are advised to eliminate stagnant water around their homes and cooperate with NMC's breeding checkers visiting their areas.