Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (DV)
Mangalore, Aug 21: Mangalore City Corporation in collaboration with Credai Mangalore organized a malaria awareness programme on Wednesday August 20.
After releasing 'Malaria Echara,' book written by Dr Subraya Nayak K, U T Khader, State Minister for Health and Family Welfare said, "Our priority must be constructing a healthy city."
He also said that 4822 cases out of 5329 were reported from the city and 60% malaria cases were reported from Mangalore and Udupi.
"People have time to talk about Ebola but are not bothered about dengue and malaria. People should take initiative to prevent malaria," he added.
He also said that builders should take permanent measures to prevent the disease and suggested to plant tulasi and neem.
He suggested to take Gujarakere as the pilot project for cleaning and also asked DHO to file cyber case on youth for spreading the false news on Ebola.
Dr Shrinivas Kakilaya in his address said, "We are trying to prevent the disease from past 20 years. Unfortunately, a 56 year old man from West Bengal died yesterday due to malaria. Malaria in the city has increased ten times more than the present statistics."
He also advised the builders to clean the sites every week.
"Prevent water logging in the surroundings. Provide mosquito nets to the workers. Use insecticides and cover the water tanks. Ronald Ross controlled malaria in Suez canal. We need to take self initiative to prevent the disease," he added.
He assured that his team would be always ready to provide suggestions on preventing malaria.
Mayor Mahabala Marla warned that strict legal action would be taken against the hospitals and blood bank centers that fail to give the reports to MCC.
He also said that malaria controlling officers were giving false information and statistics.
MLA J R Lobo inaugurated malaria awareness drive and he also spoke on this occasion.
Pushparaj, the president of Credai welcomed.
Gokuldas Nayak, Deputy Commissioner of City Corporation, deputy mayor Kavitha and others were present.