OPEN HOUSE WHAT STEPS CAN BE TAKEN TO IMPROVE PUBLIC HEALTH IN THE CITY? Keeping in view increasing dengue cases, MC should chalk out plan to prevent accumulation of water on streets Dengue is very hazardous for life and many a times it leads to the death of a person. Cleanliness is the main solution that can prevent this menace. Not just our homes, but there is a need to keep our schools, colleges, parks, other public places and roads clean. The MC should assume responsibility towards public places. Dengue mosquitoes breed in dirty water. Dirty water should not be accumulated. Drainage system must be properly maintained. Waste and garbage must be disposed of at some distant places. The MC should make arrangements of spray at all public places at regular intervals. Hospitals should be well-stocked with medicines and other facilities. Blood bank should also be well-stocked so that no difficulties are faced at the time of emergency. Awareness must be created by the government through newspapers and other channels regarding preventive and curative measures. Ritu Priya Wear full-sleeve shirts, apply mosquito repellents Winters brings a host of mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, swine flu, malaria and other vector-borne diseases. Fogging exercise should be made a regular feature during this season. The government should depute officials to check if there is any stagnant water and should take immediate steps to pump it out to prevent breeding of mosquitoes. It is the responsibility of the residents to ensure that there is no stagnant water around their houses and other surrounding areas. People should wear full-sleeve shirts and apply mosquitoes repellent before going out. The government should release the advisory not to burn stubble to avoid diseases of asthma and other related problems. People and NGOs should be awarded who are spreading awareness among people in eradicating the problem of dengue and other diseases. Farzana Khan Take preventivemeasures at home Use screens on doors and windows. Repair broken or damaged screens quickly. Keep unscreened doors and windows shut. Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, shoes, and socks when you go outside. Use mosquito netting over your bed at night. Use an insect repellent as directed. Limit the amount of time you spend outside during the day, especially during the hours around dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. Get rid of standing water so that mosquitoes don’t breed. Change the water in birdbaths, dog bowls, and flower vases regularly. Vanshika Sofat Keep your environment & surroundings clean The number of dengue cases has seen a sudden spurt. This exposes the ill-preparedness of the MC authorities. Public health should always be the utmost priority of the government. People should be made aware of symptoms and causes of dengue and also told about the importance of keeping our environment clean and staying healthy. People should plant more plants like tulsi, neem etc. These plants keep the air clean. People should take measures at personal level like making sure that there is no stagnant water at their homes and around surrounding areas. Eat healthy and avoid junk food. Keeping the environment and surroundings clean improve health to a great extent and prevent various vector-borne diseases. Shivani Aggarwal Keep windows, door screens closed As dengue cases are being reported from various areas of the city, it becomes important to keep residents aware about its symptoms and causes. Dengue is a water-borne disease which is caused due to stagnant water. Keeping our surroundings clean can help bringing down the number of dengue cases. There is no specific treatment for dengue fever, but adequate fluid intake and bed rest is important. Dengue fever symptoms include fever, intense headache, body aches, joint pains, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and skin rashes and mucosal bleeding. We can protect ourselves using various precautionary measures such as wearing long-sleeve shirts and long pants, avoiding areas with standing water, especially at times of high mosquito activity like dawn and dusk. Windows and door screens should be closed to prevent mosquitoes from entering homes. Shiwani Public should cooperate with government Every year we suffer from various diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, malaria and swine flu etc. It is the duty of the state government and the Centre to implement various policies to eradicate vector-borne diseases from the country. It depends upon vision of the government to keep its citizens healthy and fit. If the government can eradicate polio from the country by giving polio drops in a span period of more than 20 years, why not these diseases with the same will and wish be eradicated? The other duty rests on the shoulders of citizens. Those who are not following the directions and instructions of the authorities must be punished like withdrawing various facilities given by the government such as gas cylinder and electricity. Rules should be adhered strictly. It is said that prevention is better than cure so wear clothes that covers full body and use mosquito-repellent creams. The government should make maximum use of electronic and print media to make people aware of these diseases, their causes, symptoms and remedies only with the help of expert doctors. Public should support and co-operate with the government and their fellow citizens to eradicate vector-borne and other diseases. Dr Mohd Saleem Farooqui Monitor community health status regularly Cases of mosquito-borne diseases are being reported from the city so there is a need to spread awareness about its risk among residents and guide them in taking more proactive measures. In order to improve public health, we should think about what is keeping people healthy or making people sick, and what we can do to create healthier places to live, learn, work, and play. Therefore, there is a need to monitor the community health status at regular intervals so as to identify and solve the community health problems. Besides, educate and empower others to inspire and support community partnerships to evaluate the effectiveness and the quality of personal and population-based health services. From the government’s point of view, there is a need to develop new methods for information dissemination. Since it is not always easy to set up healthcare facilities in different parts of the country, the government should concentrate on public-private partnerships. Ravi Chander Garg Children must be taught about cleanliness Despite various awareness campaigns against the spread of dengue and precautions, cases of dengue are being reported from the city. The rapid increase in number of dengue cases is a cause of concern as it shows that the authorities concerned have completely failed to check the spread of dengue. Its correct diagnosis and treatment can only improve public health. Cleanliness is next to Godliness. To improve the public health, we must keep our houses and surroundings clean. Though a lot has improved since the inception of Clean India Campaign started by the Modi government, but still our governments have to achieve much to give clean environment to the public. The habit of cleanliness should be inculcated in children right from their childhood. Charity begins at home. So, children must be taught about cleanliness by parents. It is the duty of the schools also to teach children about health and hygiene. Some special cleanliness drives can be arranged once a month so as to encourage them to keep their surroundings neat and clean. At home, children should be told to clean their own rooms themselves. An enlightened young generation will lead to enlightened future citizens. We also need to ensure that this mission cleanliness should not only be limited to campaigns only. The concrete results should be there. Remember it can’t be achieved by the individuals, but by the collective efforts. So, we all must join hands together to improve public health. Bir Devinder Singh Bedi Eat 2-3 tulsi leaves daily to boost immunity Every year, as winters approach, dengue cases rise in the city. The path to recovery after dengue is never easy. Home remedies can be put to use to boost immunity. Many health practitioners recommend regular consumption of Tulsi, ashwagandha, ginger and aloevera to control the spread of the disease and boost immunity. Sanjna Get rid of stagnant water From past few years now, the threat of dengue on public health has increased. The most effective way to tackle dengue if practice the saying ‘Prevention is better than cure’. So, preventive measures should be taken at a personal level to avoid falling sick. It is not only the responsibility of the Municipal Corporation but also the public to prevent the spread of diseases such as dengue. People should use mosquito repellents, wear full-sleeved shirts to avoid mosquito bites. One should ensure proper cleanliness in their houses and surrounding areas to prevent mosquitoes from breeding. Public awareness camps should be organised to make people aware about such diseases. These small steps can bring significant improvement in public health. Ashmeet Kaur Follow ‘Prevention is better than cure’ The public has to take measures at personal level to prevent mosquitoes from breeding in their homes and surrounding areas. One should wear full-sleeved shirts and long pants when going out in the evenings as mosquitoes are most active then. Eat two to three Tulsi leaves daily to improve immunity, use mosquito-repellant creams to avoid mosquito bites. Deepinder Kaur Provide free medicare to the poor With increase in the number of dengue cases in the city, the Municipal Corporation should prepare in advance to prevent water from standing, a breeding place for mosquitoes. Hospitals should also prepare in advance proper and necessary medicare required by dengue patients. As poor people constitute a major portion of the population, government should provide them with free or subsidised medical facilities. People should go in for regular check-ups. If government hospitals are not able to accommodate all dengue patients, then the government should provide funds to the hospital to open more wards to maintain public health in the city. Savleen Kaur No vaccine available, take personal measures Dengue is currently the highest and rapidly spreading vector-borne disease. It is caused by the bite of Aedes mosquito. Since there is no vaccine available to prevent from this virus, personal protection and environment management is important. Few basic steps or things one can do for protection are wearing long-sleeved shirts and full pants. Use cloth repellents such as Odomos. Consider using mosquito netting. Get rid of stagnant water and if kept, it should be properly covered. Garbage should not be collected or dumped anywhere near residential areas, rather it should be disposed of in a correct manner. These simple methods can surely prevent public from suffering from this disease. Ishita Mahato Earmark hospitals for dengue emergency cases The development of a nation depends upon the responsiveness and sensitiveness of its citizens. Green and clean environment is the principal right of every citizen. Every year, we bear and suffer from various types of deadly diseases such as malaria, dengue, chikunguniya and swine flu. It is the duty of the government to implement various policies to eradicate water-borne diseases from the nation. There should be no water stagnation in the surroundings and at home as well. The government should make use of electronic and print media to make the people aware of such diseases. Discussions and educational sessions must be arranged in schools and colleges so as to spread awareness among youth. Some hospitals should be specially earmarked for the emergency cases of these diseases. The species, popularly known as mosquito fish, is used in many countries as a biocontrol measure to check mosquito-transmitted diseases. Free treatment by the government and private hospitals should be given. An expert committee should be prepared so as to prepare a report on the water borne diseases and to come up with solid suggestions. We, as the responsible citizens of the country, should fight against these diseases by keeping our surrounding clean and green. Dr Jasdeep Kaur Improve health facilities to fght vector-borne diseases Today, dengue ranks as the most threatening mosquito-borne disease in the world. Everywhere, the human and economic costs are staggering. This neglected tropical disease has taken the world by surprise, with few coherent and coordinated efforts, at national or international levels, undertaken to hold dengue at bay and reverse these alarming trends. Improve case management and diagnosis for dengue with warning signs and appropriate interventions and a greater evidence base for interventions. Improve capacities to facilitate a reduction in the burden of the disease. Access countries, which are most prone to dengue, to prevent dengue deaths, manage outbreak situations, including health implications. Khushboo Singla Dengue is a leading cause of death These days, dengue is the leading cause of deaths. To prevent dengue, stagnant water shouldn’t be allowed to stand anywhere. Pre-vaccination screenings may prove to be a boon along with personal household protection measures and hygiene. Ishita Katyal Small contributions will go a long way Dengue is a disease transmitted by aedes mosquitoes. Severe joint and muscle pain, swollen lymph nodes, headache and fever are some of its symptoms. As dengue is a fatal disease, the most effective method to prevent it is to practice ‘Prevention is better than cure’. Full-sleeved clothes must be worn. Mosquito nets should be used while sleeping. Windows and doors of houses should be kept shut all times. People should keep their surrounding neat and clean. In case the symptoms are severe, a doctor must be consulted immediately. Small contributions from each individual can help in prevention of dengue. Amarpreet Kaur Provide children with immunity-boosting diet Personal protection and environmental management of mosquitoes are important in preventing dengue. Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times in dengue area by wearing long-sleeved shirts and full pants. Make sure window and door screens of houses are secure and free of holes. Regularly change the water in outdoor bird baths and pets’ water dishes. To reduce mosquito population, get rid of places where mosquitoes can breed. These include old tires, cans or flower pots that have rainwater standing in them. Maintain an immunity boosting diet for kids. Muskan Rehan Civic body must ensure regular fogging With winters approaching, dengue cases rise in the city. The Municipal Corporation should ensure that fogging is done at regular intervals to kill the mosquito larvae. Proper cleaning of surroundings should be done and water should not be allowed to stand, especially in crowded public places. At a personal level, people should cover their bodies while going out in the evenings and apply anti-mosquito creams. Jasleen Kaur Wear proper clothes to avoid mosquito bites Treat clothes with repellents such as permethrin or use EPA-registered mosquito repellent such as DEET. Make sure windows and doors screens are closed to avoid allowing mosquitoes in enclosed spaces. Avoid areas with standing water. Gursahib Singh Educate people of your area at personal level Dengue is currently the highest and rapidly spreading vector borne viral disease, which can lead to mortality in its severe form . So we all, including the government, and we being responsible citizens, should create more and more awareness for prevention of this life threatening disease. Government had performed its duty and now its our turn to perform our duty towards the city to minimise this disease. We should be hygenic and do not let water be stagnant in our surroundings. Sneh Sood Hold regular health check-up camps Nowadays, dengue has become a major threat to city residents. Newspapers are also full of such headlines. The government must take necessary steps to ensure public health. Gutters and sewers should be properly covered so as to avoid mosquito breeding. Free heath check-up camps for the poor should be organised regularly. They also must be made aware of causes and symptoms of dengue. Municipal Corporation should ensure that clean drinking is provided to all. Sahibpreet Kaur Organise blooddonation drives Dengue as a threat to public health has increased substantially. To prevent reporting of more cases, measures at a personal and social level need to be taken immediately. One can prevent mosquito bites by wearing clothes which cover arms and legs completely. People, who cannot expensive medication, should be provided medicines at low and affordable costs. Blood donation drives should be conducted regularly so that there is no shortage of blood at hospital blood banks. In addition to this, consumption of two to three tulsi leaves a day will boos immunity. Gurvir Kaur Aware public of causes & symptoms of dengue Dengue is a serious disease and takes time to be cured. Regular and timely awareness should be made among public about dengue, its precautions and treatments. Do not allow water to stand at homes and in surroundings areas. The Municipal Corporation should ensure regular fogging to kill mosquito larvae. People should also take some common preventive measures such as wearing full-sleeved clothes, use of mosquito-repellent creams, mosquito nets above beds. They should also make sure that windows and doors screens are closed during the evenings to prevent entry of mosquitoes in home. Prabhdeep Rai Avoid visiting places with stagnant water Dengue is the most common disease these days. The most effective way to prevent it is to keep homes and surroundings clean. If our immediate surroundings are clean and hygienic, then mosquitoes will not be able to breed as stagnant water is the ground for mosquito breeding. Pots and containers should be kept clean, along with places where water is most likely to collect. Apply mosquito repellents before heading out. Gurleen Kaur Hold public health awareness seminars For improving public health in the city, public health awareness sessions and seminars should be held regularly at educational institutions. People should be made aware of causes and symptoms of dengue. As dengue fever is caused by the female mosquito, which only bites on our body’s lower part, residents should cover their bodies properly before heading out, especially in evenings. Niranjan Kaur OPEN HOUSE COMMENT Vigilant admn can play a positive role Minna Zutshi Whenever vector-borne disease like dengue are reported from the city, the official machinery has a tendency to lapse into denial mode. The basic fact - that suppressing the information about the magnitude of the disease does not lessen the spread of the disease - is conveniently forgotten. The solution to any problem can only be found by recognizing it; sweeping the problem under the carpet does not help. Vector-borne diseases like dengue are preventable if timely efforts are made in the right direction. According to the Directorate of National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme that is the nodal centre for the surveillance and prevention of dengue in India, a set of preventive measures and precautions can help in keeping the disease at bay. Simple steps like removing water from coolers and buckets, using larvicides to water storage containers that cannot be emptied, using personal protective measures can be tried to check the spread of the disease. A vigilant, active and well-meaning administration can play a positive role in the prevention of the disease. OPEN HOUSE QUESTION How can the city lower its crime rate? ludhiana.feedback@gmail.com .

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