IMA demands action on monsoon-related health threats

T’puram: Indian Medical Association (IMA) stressed the need to stay alert against epidemics caused by monsoon and climate change. It warned about the rise in infectious fevers, water-borne diseases and cholera (which was thought to be eradicated). IMA also said that new, rare infectious diseases are a serious challenge for the healthcare system. IMA asked the govt to fill existing vacancies in the health sector. It said it is important to provide preventive materials, financial support and medicines. Kerala leads in disease diagnosis and treatment, but weak preventive systems are helping diseases spread, it added. Widespread awareness regarding personal and environmental hygiene and treatment systems is crucial. Efforts to ensure the availability of safe food and drinking water need to be intensified. Source destruction deserves primary consideration to eliminate disease transmission, said IMA. IMA pledged full support for comprehensive and integrated efforts. Members were told to give full cooperation in preventive and treatment work. Volunteer teams and support systems will be ready during emergencies. Disaster management teams, epidemic control cells and medical teams are already in place at state and district branch levels, it said. IMA asked the govt to set up a coordination committee at the state-level to step up activities.

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