The number of coronavirus cases in the city of Mumbai is reducing, and the government, local corporation and healthcare providers are working hard to ensure control over the spread of COVID-19 infection. However, the city has been witnessing heavy rainfall since the last few weeks, and this has led to an increase in the number of malaria cases.
As per information shared on social media platforms, one can sense that several citizens are scared and reluctant to undergo tests and screening for malaria, due to the coronavirus pandemic. Therefore, the Ward G-North of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has planned to start a campaign with regards to the same.
Reports state that the number of malaria patients in this area has seen an increase, and a total of 3,915 blood samples were collected, out of which 82 malaria patients were identified. Observing this, authorities have decided to conduct screening camps at six locations, where one can choose to get tested for malaria, at no cost.
This move is said to keep citizens’ worries away and opt for treatment if needed. Besides free testing, a special team of doctors will also be present at the location, and they will guide patients properly, in case of queries.
The campaign was launched in areas of Dadar, Mahim and Dharavi, on Wednesday, and camps have been set up at Retibandar, Ramgad, Kapad Bazaar, Star Mall, Upendranagar and Abdul Gani Chali.
On the first day of the operation, blood samples from 125 people were tested at Retibandar and Ramgarh, out of which five were diagnosed with malaria. Further, three more patients were diagnosed from in Dadar’s public and plaza vegetable markets.
Inspections in other areas like Kapad Bazar, Keshav Wadi, Dhobi Ghat were carried on Thursday, August 27, 2020, where 41 blood samples were tested and one person was diagnosed with malaria. Meanwhile, 44 samples were tested at Star Mall, Kelkar Wadi, Ardhana Building, Ganesh Peth Lane, and four people were found to have a fever.
Talking about the same, Dr Tushar Lad, said that this campaign is getting a good response and the malaria test report is received in a few hours. Rapid tests are being conducted to get information. A special kit is being used for rapid tests in which blood samples of the person is mixed with a few drops of the testing solution, which promptly informs if the person has malaria or not.
The planned campaign also includes door-to-door checks for malaria and blood samples were collected from the residents of Razmah Building, Kranti Nagar, Prakash Nagar, Masjid Galli, Bhavani Shankar Road and other buildings.
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