PIONEER NEWS SERVICE | Dehradun
The Health department has instructed volunteers to maintain a strict approach toward domestic and other establishments where dengue larvae have been repeatedly observed during the survey. This directive was issued during a meeting convened by Dehradun’s chief medical officer (CMO) Dr Manoj Kumar Sharma.
Informing about this, the additional CMO and district surveillance officer of Dehradun, Dr CS Rawat, said that a recent meeting was held with volunteers assigned for 100 wards in Dehradun to conduct the dengue survey. The meeting served as an orientation for the volunteers regarding their duties, during which identity cards were distributed. Dr Rawat said that the volunteers were informed about the specific time periods for performing their duties and were also educated about raising public awareness about dengue prevention, as well as reporting any larvae found during their survey.
He said that volunteers were urged to interact respectfully with the residents of their assigned wards while conducting inspections and surveys. They are required to submit timely reports to their supervisors regarding dengue-related findings. The volunteers will conduct dengue surveys in their designated wards daily from 9 AM to 3 PM, covering more than 50 establishments and homes each day.
Dr Rawat emphasised that if any establishment is found to have larvae repeatedly, volunteers are to first advise the owners on preventive measures. If non-compliance continues and larvae are repeatedly observed at the same place for the third time or more, a challan (fine) will be issued. He said that volunteers have already started the survey and inspection activities on May 2.
Dr Rawat highlighted that these volunteers will serve for six to seven months, receiving. honorarium averaging Rs 500 to 600 per day.
Additionally, it is important to mention that, alongside the volunteers, Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) in Dehradun and Rishikesh are also conducting surveys in designated wards. It will be recalled that Dr Rawat previously informed that ASHA facilitators will recruit volunteers in accordance with the district magistrate’s directives. To qualify, volunteers must reside in the respective ward, have completed at least Class X and own a smartphone.
