Lack of appropriate steps to tackle dengue fever
Several people are reported to have lost life due to dengue fever in Tamil Nadu during the last few weeks.
While it is very well known that mosquitoes spread the dengue disease and the huge accumulation of garbage, stagnant water , bad habits of people throwing wastes outside the residence ,urinating in public roads , overflowing sewage and poorly maintained public toilets are the root cause for the rapid multiplication of mosquitos and spread of this disease, nothing worthwhile has been done to rectify such horrible situation. One gets the impression that the state government and civic authorities are ignoring this basic issue.
There is still considerable difference of opinion amongst medical professionals about the appropriate treatment for dengue. The government simply says that the medicines are ready for the painful mosquito borne disease. But, what treatment is appropriate is still being debated.
The government of Tamil Nadu should have appointed a team of experienced scientists, public health experts and medical doctors chosen from all over India to decide on the appropriate course of treatment and make recommendations. It is not clear whether it has been done.
At the same time, an impression is being created and massive publicity is being given that drinking nilavembu kashayam would prevent one from being attacked by dengue fever.
There is no information that any extensive clinical trial has been carried out amongst cross section of people of various age groups and living conditions to establish the positive impact of nilavembu kashayam in preventing dengue disease. This is very vital. Normally, such clinical trial with appropriate procedure takes many months for completion.
If such clinical trial has been carried out by any credible agency, it has not been shared with the public by government of Tamil Nadu.
Further, there is no way to check whether the quality of water used for preparing nilavembu kashayam is of suitable standards and whether inspections are being frequently carried out to test such water. Further, firm specification for nilavembu kashayam and appropriate analytical procedures to certify it’s quality are yet to be firmly fixed.
Again, nilavembu kashayam is being distributed in public places like bus stand etc. and sometimes in unhygienic conditions and un suspecting innocent people accept it for drinking without any questioning like accepting freebies. The kashayams are being brought in big vessels, which probably are not sanitized and sterilized frequently.
It is further seen that disposable cups are not being used for providing nilavembu kashayam in public places and people use the same tumbler in many places.
Tamil Nadu seems to be facing a very serious situation and tackling the dengue disease problem should not be seen as a matter of mere administrative and bureaucratic decision.
Finally, the question remains as to why the Tamil Nadu government has not initiated a massive cleaning exercise in public places all over Tamil Nadu in the same way as it was done in Surat region in Gujarat a few years back when plague disease struck the region.
It is highly disturbing to see the garbage visuals on the road as one travel across Tamil Nadu ,even as we continue to read about hospitals being crowded with dengue affected patients. One can also see frequently dirty water stagnating in front of hospitals too.
N.S.Venkataraman
Nandini Voice for the Deprived
Nandinivoice.com more
While it is very well known that mosquitoes spread the dengue disease and the huge accumulation of garbage, stagnant water , bad habits of people throwing wastes outside the residence ,urinating in public roads , overflowing sewage and poorly maintained public toilets are the root cause for the rapid multiplication of mosquitos and spread of this disease, nothing worthwhile has been done to rectify such horrible situation. One gets the impression that the state government and civic authorities are ignoring this basic issue.
There is still considerable difference of opinion amongst medical professionals about the appropriate treatment for dengue. The government simply says that the medicines are ready for the painful mosquito borne disease. But, what treatment is appropriate is still being debated.
The government of Tamil Nadu should have appointed a team of experienced scientists, public health experts and medical doctors chosen from all over India to decide on the appropriate course of treatment and make recommendations. It is not clear whether it has been done.
At the same time, an impression is being created and massive publicity is being given that drinking nilavembu kashayam would prevent one from being attacked by dengue fever.
There is no information that any extensive clinical trial has been carried out amongst cross section of people of various age groups and living conditions to establish the positive impact of nilavembu kashayam in preventing dengue disease. This is very vital. Normally, such clinical trial with appropriate procedure takes many months for completion.
If such clinical trial has been carried out by any credible agency, it has not been shared with the public by government of Tamil Nadu.
Further, there is no way to check whether the quality of water used for preparing nilavembu kashayam is of suitable standards and whether inspections are being frequently carried out to test such water. Further, firm specification for nilavembu kashayam and appropriate analytical procedures to certify it’s quality are yet to be firmly fixed.
Again, nilavembu kashayam is being distributed in public places like bus stand etc. and sometimes in unhygienic conditions and un suspecting innocent people accept it for drinking without any questioning like accepting freebies. The kashayams are being brought in big vessels, which probably are not sanitized and sterilized frequently.
It is further seen that disposable cups are not being used for providing nilavembu kashayam in public places and people use the same tumbler in many places.
Tamil Nadu seems to be facing a very serious situation and tackling the dengue disease problem should not be seen as a matter of mere administrative and bureaucratic decision.
Finally, the question remains as to why the Tamil Nadu government has not initiated a massive cleaning exercise in public places all over Tamil Nadu in the same way as it was done in Surat region in Gujarat a few years back when plague disease struck the region.
It is highly disturbing to see the garbage visuals on the road as one travel across Tamil Nadu ,even as we continue to read about hospitals being crowded with dengue affected patients. One can also see frequently dirty water stagnating in front of hospitals too.
N.S.Venkataraman
Nandini Voice for the Deprived
Nandinivoice.com more
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Its sad that human casualties due to dengue and viral fever is on the rise. Only a week back 'Clean India' campaign was organised to create awareness..... Well with a photo pose, Clean India concluded. May be declared as a success also. The Private agency which deals with Chennai city cleaning is much worse than the traditional Corporation. Many of them happily do car wash during their work time. Haven't seen any supervisor so far. The whole world knows that mosquitoes multiply in millions even with a little drop of rain and control of mosquito proliferation is possible only through preventive measures. Instead of analysing what kind of a mosquito bite will cause dengue, the concerned Government officials should treat this epidemic kind of situation as their personal problem and put the Government machinery in full swing without any 'expectations'. They should desist for few days from their loot India activity. Its more easier said than done but I hope they will sacrifice a bit. Starting from Corporation water (drinking water), road side eateries, TASMAC bars, world class storm water drainage, etc should be treated on a war footing basis to to drive away mosquitoes from breeding. I remember when there was a similar situation a year back, the Government said Nochi trees will be planted all over Tamil nadu as its a natural mosquito repellent. The politicians would have conveniently forgotten their promise... Even now its not too late, let the Corporation plant Nochi all over Tamil Nadu without looking at the dent it might create in their pockets. It will be a great help to future generation. more
Oct 09
Instead of blaming our government, we can.change our approach by life style, habits, discipline and improve our health by taking preventive medicines. more
Oct 09
I too agree that, our state government has to take more actions on this issue. The awareness about dengue fever precautions are less among people. Hence, they can advertise more in media, public places and they even spread the awareness through colleges, school students. JAI HIND. more
Oct 09
Absolutely correct. In addition to this the toilets in public places like Cinema Theatres, most of the Restaurants etc., also need to be kept cleanly. more
Oct 08
There are lot of locations in Chennai city area to be attended by the local authorities to be regularised to fit for not to stagnate water. Particulate my location at Perumbakkam there is no sewage water disposal still and most of the newly built up Flats particularly India Bulls Greens where around 1000 residents are staging and the sewage water is flowing on the adjacent vacant fields .This leads to lot of ill health not particularly DENGU but also several diseases to the Rsidents and the labooures working in those areas. Without considering the actual reality in these areas the CMDA is approving FLATS is very pathetic and the GOVERNMENT should look in to the very seriously. Hope this facts will reach the concerned authorities property. more
Oct 08
