KSSP calls for better coordination among govt. departments, local bodies to curb spread of infectious diseases in Malappuram

The Malappuram district health sub-committee of the Kerala Sasthra Sahithya Parishad (KSSP) has called for better coordination among government departments and local bodies to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

The demand comes amid reports of waterborne diseases such as Shigella and hepatitis and mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue, which have claimed lives in the district.

The committee said poor coordination among local self-government institutions, Health department, Food Safety department, Education department, hotel and restaurant associations, and civil society organisations had affected disease prevention efforts.

It also said that the actual number of people affected by waterborne diseases in Nilambur, Wandoor, Pookkottumpadam, Elamkulam, and other areas must be higher than the figures reported by the Health department.

The meeting called for strict enforcement of health card requirements for food handlers and expressed concern over unscientific practices in issuing and checking the cards.

The committee urged the district panchayat and other local bodies to prepare an action plan and bring all relevant agencies together to strengthen disease surveillance and prevention.