The New Indian Express 06.10.2010
Health officials on toes in Mysore
MYSORE: One question that will be uppermost on everyone's minds is "Will the authorities be able to ensure a healthy Dasara by containing the spread of epidemics," given the milling crowds that will start thronging the city in a few days.If recent developments are any indication, authorities are aware of this fact as District Health Department and Mysore City Corporation (MCC) officials will be opening temporary dispensaries and framing Rapid Response Teams to ensure a healthy Dasara.
The Health Department has decided to erect five temporary dispensaries at various parts of the Mysore Chamundi Hill, Mysore Palace premises, Sri Chamarajendra Zoo, Mysore Railway Station and Dasara Exhibition grounds. Dr Nagaraj Rao, District Health Officer, told Express that each dispensary will be equipped with two doctors, staff nurses and groupD employees, in addition to the deployment of eight ambulances with paramedical staff for medical emergencies.
Referring to rumours about the spread of epidemics such as H1N1 that did the rounds during last year's Dasara, he said the administration is prepared to combat the spread of diseases in the best interests of tourists.
"We are concentrating on containing the spread of H1N1. Temporary clinics will remain open between October 1517, when tourist inflow hits the peak, Dr Nagaraj, District Surveillance Officer, told Express.
Dr Nagaraj disclosed that the Mysore City Corporation had constituted Rapid Response Teams, which will comprise a Medical Officer, Deputy Health Education Officer, two nurses and groupD employees each. Health officers of MCC have already conducted surveys in 92,500 households across the city to keep a tab on the spread of diseases like Dengue, Chikungunya and H1N1 and create awareness over precautionary measures.
