Bengal govt aims to eliminate dengue, not hide case numbers: Minister Agnimitra Paul
Kolkata, Sep 5 (IANS/WISHAVWARTA) West Bengal Municipal Affairs and Urban Development Minister Agnimitra Paul on Saturday said the state government’s focus is on eliminating dengue and ensuring transparency in reporting infections, rather than concealing the actual number of cases.
Addressing a dengue awareness rally in the Asansol Dakshin Assembly constituency of West Burdwan district, Paul said the Chief Minister has directed authorities to report dengue cases accurately following blood tests. “The objective is not to suppress the number of dengue cases. Our aim is to eradicate dengue. If a person is infected, it must be clearly reflected in the report,” she said.
The awareness march, organised by the Asansol Municipal Corporation, began at Ramsay Maidan and concluded at Battala Bazar in Mahishila. Officials, including Asansol Municipal Corporation Commissioner Dilip Mishra, the District Forest Officer and sanitation workers, participated in the drive.
The Minister said, “The number of dengue patients is increasing. But it is not about suppressing the number; rather, the Chief Minister has ordered that if there is dengue, it should be specifically mentioned in the report after conducting a blood test.”
During the previous Trinamool Congress government, the Opposition used to complain that the number of infected people was being suppressed and the actual figure of dengue-infected patients concealed. Then Leader of the Opposition in the State Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, and MLA Agnimitra Paul had frequently raised the issue in the Assembly.
On Saturday, speaking to reporters, Paul said, “Dengue is being reported from three wards in Asansol Dakshin Assembly constituency. About 40 to 48 people are infected with dengue in the district. They are being treated. We are not trying to suppress the number of dengue patients. Rather, we want to ensure that this issue does not spread by treating them.”
Regarding dengue prevention, Agnimitra said, “We will distribute mosquito nets to the remaining residents of the wards from which dengue has spread. Basically, these mosquito nets will be given to all those people who are from low-income families. Along with this, health camps will be organised in that area. Maintaining cleanliness and making people aware are also important.”
She also said, “Dengue will be eradicated only if people are aware. Water should not be allowed to accumulate anywhere in the house. Also, if someone has a fever for more than two days, they must get tested for dengue at a government hospital. Adequate dengue test kits have already been stocked in all hospitals. This test will be free.”
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