Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed concern over the spread of seasonal diseases including dengue and malaria and directed the officials concerned to take all steps to contain the spread of the fevers.

Addressing a review meeting on health at his residence in Undavalli on September 4 night, the Chief Minister said that necessary steps should be taken to prevent spread of diseases and added that he would monitor the health situation every day. Mr Naidu said that the officials should instil confidence among the people by arresting the spread of disease and improve satisfaction level of people on health sector.

He said that the measures should be hundred per cent fool proof and the diseases should be controlled totally. He asked the officials why there was spread of dengue in Visakhapatnam district and officials should identify the reasons. The Chief Minister stressed the need for awareness on cleanliness among residents to prevent spread of disease. He directed the medical officials to act on a war footing to control the diseases.

The officials informed the Chief Minister that to curtail the transmission of diseases, the Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation has taken up vector control measures. They explained that 130 teams, consisting of 647 manpower are conducting door-to-door survey. Around 72 sanitary inspectors are working for implementation of good environmental sanitation for control of diseases, they added. The Chief Minister enquired with the real time governance officials on the public feedback over spread of diseases. He directed the 108 service providers to improve their services within no time or else they have to face action. He said if necessary the old vehicles should be replaced with new one to improve services.

The officials told the Chief Minister that the Municipal Corporation has taken up spraying to curtail the transmission and carrying out fogging operations to curb the mosquito menace. They told the Chief Minister that awareness programmes were conducted in 400 educational institutions, 186 summer camps, rythu bazars and public places on the steps to be taken to eradicate the mosquito menace. Over 1300 banners were displayed and rallies are being organised in the name of Domalapai dandayatra (invasion on mosquitoes) and pamphlets were distributed to 5 lakh people. In addition 20 mobile malaria and dengue clinics were pressed into services, the officials said. Special Chief Secretary of Health and Family Welfare Poonam Malakondaiah, Secretary to CM Girija Shankar and other officials were present.