125 MGM doctors lead intensive malaria screening drive in E. Singhbhum

Pioneer News Service

Jamshedpur

 As part of the special initiative, a team of 125 doctors from MGM Medical College and Hospital conducted an intensive screening drive from June 29 to July 3 across the Potka, Musabani, Dumaria and Ghatshila blocks. During the campaign, suspected patients were tested, treatment was initiated wherever required and villagers were educated about preventive measures against malaria.

The large-scale screening programme forms part of the East Singhbhum district administration’s intensified campaign to curb the spread of malaria in Potka and adjoining areas, where health authorities have stepped up surveillance, testing, treatment and public awareness activities. Acting on the directions of Deputy Commissioner Rajiv Ranjan, the Health Department has deployed additional medical teams, ensured the availability of medicines and launched door-to-door surveys in vulnerable villages.

According to official figures, 59 malaria patients were admitted to the Sadar Hospital during June, while another 14 patients have been admitted so far in July. Of the total 73 patients, 31 have recovered and been discharged after treatment, while the condition of the remaining 39 patients undergoing treatment is stable. Three patients have been referred for advanced medical care. Officials also confirmed one malaria-related death at a private hospital and three deaths at MGM Hospital. Patients admitted to the Sadar Hospital include 23 from Potka, 10 from the Golmuri-cum-Jugsalai block, four from Dumaria and two from Musabani.

Community-level surveillance has also been intensified, with Sahiya workers conducting door-to-door surveys in malaria-affected villages. So far, 17,741 households across Potka, Musabani, Dumaria and Ghatshila blocks have been covered. Awareness campaigns are being conducted through street plays, banners, posters, hoardings and handbills to educate residents about mosquito control, early diagnosis and timely treatment.

Health Department teams have simultaneously carried out a special search drive in 54 villages bordering the Potka block in Dumaria, Musabani and Golmuri-cum-Jugsalai. Fever patients are being identified, tested for malaria and provided medicines without delay as part of continuous surveillance.

The Health Department has expanded the scope of malaria testing across the district. So far, 12,872 people have been screened, with 840 testing positive for malaria. Officials said the extensive testing drive has helped identify infections at an early stage, and the malaria positivity rate has begun to decline due to prompt treatment, indicating that the control measures are producing encouraging results.

Civil Surgeon Dr. Sahir Pal clarified that the term “brain malaria” commonly used by the public is medically known as Cerebral Malaria, a severe complication caused by the Plasmodium falciparum parasite if malaria remains untreated. He said no case of cerebral malaria has been detected in East Singhbhum so far. He urged people suffering from persistent fever, chills, severe headache, vomiting, unconsciousness or confusion to immediately visit the nearest government health centre, emphasising that timely diagnosis and treatment can prevent serious complications.