Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi

Udupi, Nov 20: More than 7,475 dog bite cases and over 190 snakebite cases have been reported in the district since April. Deputy commissioner Swaroopa T K has directed health department officials to take adequate measures to control such incidents and ensure immediate treatment for affected persons. She also instructed them to maintain sufficient stock of required medicines and vaccines.

She was speaking after chairing a meeting of various coordination committees of the health department at the deputy commissioner’s office hall, Rajathadri, Manipal, on Thursday, November 20.

She said monkey fever is usually seen during summer. The disease spreads when monkeys in the Western Ghats die and ticks on their bodies infect people. The forest and animal husbandry departments, in coordination with local gram panchayats and the health department, must create widespread awareness among people living in forest fringe areas about prevention and treatment.

She stressed that pregnant women must be issued maternity cards in the early stages and undergo regular health check-ups. Awareness should be created on the importance of nutritious food. With proper guidance, maternal and infant mortality can be drastically reduced, she said. She urged officials to ensure 100 percent administration of vaccines meant to improve immunity among infants.

She directed officials to ensure free healthcare and other facilities for Endosulfan victims. Mobile physiotherapy units must visit bedridden victims at their homes to provide physiotherapy and proper care.

Many schemes and programmes are being implemented with the aim of providing quality healthcare to the public. These must be implemented effectively, the deputy commissioner said. Instead of seeking treatment after falling ill, the public must be educated about preventive healthcare and necessary precautions.

On the occasion, posters on early identification and management of childhood pneumonia and a campaign to identify leprosy cases were released.

ZP deputy secretary S S Kadrolli, MCC commissioner Mahantesh Hangargi, district health and family welfare officer Dr Basavaraj Hubballi, district vector-borne disease control officer Dr Prashanth Bhat, district AIDS control officer Dr Chidananda Sanju, district surveillance officer Dr Nagarathna, district leprosy officer Dr Latha Nayak, district RCH officer Dr Jyothsna BK and other district-level officials were present.

The deputy commissioner instructed hospitals to ensure that beneficiaries receive services under the Ayushman Bharat – Arogya Karnataka scheme. Hospitals must prioritise emergency treatment, especially in accident cases. Any violation will invite action under the KPM Act. Private hospitals must reserve beds for Ayushman Bharat beneficiaries and provide treatment as per government norms, she said.

The SAANS campaign to detect suspected pneumonia cases in children below five years, provide timely treatment, and create community awareness will be held from November 12 to February 28, 2026. “Efforts must be made to bring pneumonia cases down to zero,” said deputy commissioner Swaroopa T K.