Govt on alert after Malaria death; DCs directed to intensify prevention

Surendra Soren

Ranchi

The Jharkhand government has gone into alert mode following a malaria-related death in East Singhbhum district and a rise in reported infections. Taking serious note of the situation, Additional Chief Secretary of the Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare Department, Ajoy Kumar Singh, has issued directives to all Deputy Commissioners across the state to immediately intensify malaria prevention and control measures.

In an official communication, Singh instructed district administrations to prepare and implement an aggressive action plan in malaria-affected areas, strengthen surveillance, and ensure accountability at every administrative level to prevent further spread of the disease.

Under the new guidelines, active fever surveillance will be conducted in areas reporting a high number of fever cases through Multi-Purpose Health Workers (MPWs) and Sahiyas (community health workers). Every suspected malaria patient will undergo immediate testing, and those who test positive will be provided anti-malarial treatment without delay.

The state government has also directed authorities to ensure proper treatment and follow-up for all malaria patients. Individuals with severe symptoms are to be admitted to hospitals immediately and provided with appropriate medical care.

The directive further mandates that whenever a new malaria case is detected, a mass survey or fever survey must be carried out across the affected locality. Village-wise malaria data will be compiled, while Sahiyas in high-risk villages will be supplied with Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) kits and adequate stocks of essential antimalarial medicines.

Deputy Commissioners have also been instructed to ensure that Community Health Centres maintain sufficient stocks of diagnostic kits and medicines. In addition, vector control measures, including insecticide spraying and anti-larval operations, are to be intensified in affected areas.

Emphasizing the seriousness of the situation, Additional Chief Secretary Ajoy Kumar Singh has urged all Deputy Commissioners to personally monitor malaria control initiatives and ensure strict implementation of preventive measures to contain the outbreak at the earliest and prevent further loss of life.