Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DV)

Mangaluru, Oct 17: In a first-of-its-kind initiative in the country, health minister U T Khader on Saturday October 17 launched a malaria control software system which would enable mapping of malaria cases under MCC limits and keep track of reports.

Launching the software in a simple ceremony at the MCC meeting hall here, Khader said, "This malaria software is the first in the entire country and it is an effort to reduce malaria cases. India has already been successful in eradicating polio. Nothing is impossible if we make an effort.

"With the help of this software, the MCC should try to bring the number of malaria cases down to zero in the next three years. This should be our aim, and Mangaluru should become the first city in the state and country to eradicate malaria," he said.

"As many as 4,023 cases of malaria have been reported in Dakshina Kannada. Mapping of malaria cases is important. This software will help in mapping the cases and tracking the reports. Mapping should be done at the grassroots. But just software is not enough, people participation is also important. People should involve themselves in this effort, that is the only solution," he said, adding,
"Mangaluru should become a healthy city as well as a health city."

MLA J R Lobo said, "Information technology (IT) is essential in health sector and it has already been incorporated in healthcare. The MCC has made immense efforts, specially Dr Shantaram Baliga, former mayor Mahabala Maarla and his team who have put in much hard work into materializing this software. But technology alone cannot do everything, people participation is very important.

"Seven urban health centres have been sanctioned under MCC limits and and they will materialize soon. Earlier we were successful in eradicating filaria but now it has emerged again. We must eradicate both filaria and malaria completely," he added.

MCC environmental engineer Madhukumar briefed about the software with a PPT presentation and said, "This software will be useful to report malaria cases, which was a challenge earlier, and also help in idenitifying the different stages of malaria. We can obtain response from MCC and there will be public participation. This is the first such attempt in entire India and soon it will be made available in mobile app and computers. The software includes four modules - collecting data, action management, risk analysis and prediction analysis - out of which the first two have been launched now."

Dr Shantaram Baliga, Manokumar and representatives from various banks were felicitated for extending financial assistance to the project.

Mayor Jacintha Alfred, MLA Mohiuddin Bava, former mayor Shashidhar Hegde and others were present.

"No confusion over CM"

U T Khader spoke to reporters on the sidelines of the programme and replying to a question about rumours regarding change of chief minister in the state, he said, "There is no such confusion. When Rahul Gandhi visited the state he appreciated CM Siddaramaiah. Our CM is a role model to the country and he will continue be the CM for the full term."

He also denied that there was conflict among senior leaders of the Congress government.

Regarding postponing of the meeting with CM on the Yettinahole issue, he said the meeting was put off as it is Dasara and many expressed their inability to attend.

On the recent murder of Bajrang Dal activist Prashant Poojary in Moodbidri, he said, "I condemn the murder. It does not matter from which community or sect he was from, the culprits should be punished. I have already spoke to minister Abhaychandra Jain, the DG and the home minister and urged them to take strict action."