MANSI BHAMBRI | Dehradun
Despite a rise in dengue cases in the Dehradun district, there has been a noticeable decline in the number of house surveys conducted by the Health department. The Pioneer had earlier highlighted how residents questioned the number of the dengue survey and awareness activity, which aims to raise awareness about prevention measures.
This activity, carried out by Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) and volunteers entails both household inspections for mosquito larvae and educational efforts to inform residents about dengue prevention strategies. As is customary during the monsoon season, the Health department escalates these activities to mitigate the increase in dengue cases.
This year, officials indicated plans to double the dengue survey and awareness efforts led by ASHAs and volunteers during this critical period. However, recent reports reveal a decrease in the number of household surveys conducted over a few days.
The number of house surveys received by the Health department includes, on July 8, ASHAs and volunteers performed 11,483 surveys for dengue larvae, with numbers dropping to 10,597 on July 9, 10,215 on July 10, followed by 9,709 on July 11 and 9,233 on July 12. The ongoing reduction in survey activities raises questions.
Notably, some sources revealed that earlier ASHA’s workers had warned of a strike due to less incentives in return of dengue survey activity. To avoid this situation, the health department is refraining from putting any pressure on them regarding this activity.
Talking to this correspondent, the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of Dehradun, Dr Manoj Kumar Sharma, discussed other factors contributing to the decrease in the number of house surveys. He informed that several factors have contributed to the decrease in the number of dengue house surveys. Initially, when the dengue survey activities began this year, ASHA workers raised concerns about their lower incentives for this work. However, after a meeting, they were reassured about their roles and commenced the activities. While the dengue survey is still ongoing, there has been a noticeable decline in the numbers due to both the incentive issues and the fact that ASHA workers are currently busy conducting the MR elimination drive survey for children aged 0 to five years in the Dehradun district.
Additionally, the other busy schedules of ASHAs have contributed to fewer house surveys being conducted. However, volunteers are currently conducting sufficient house surveys for dengue. The Health department is also focusing on and encouraging the volunteers to increase their efforts during the monsoon season to help control cases. This strategy will ensure that sufficient house surveys are carried out in the coming days.
Sharma further informed that volunteers receive Rs 628 per day for their activities. Additionally, ASHA volunteers will receive an average incentive of Rs 5,000 for their work from July to November.
