Kokrajhar (Assam), 24 October (HS): Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) Chief Executive Member Pramod Bodo has given instructions for immediate corrective measures to stop the alarming increase in malaria cases in Kokrajhar. While reviewing the situation in the auditorium of the BTC Assembly, Bodo stressed the need for awareness campaigns for malaria prevention, so that the public can be informed about the symptoms of malaria, ways of infection and prevention.

To ensure coordinated efforts in this direction, a joint working committee has been formed under the chairmanship of BTC Principal Secretary Akash Deep, with the Health Secretary as the member secretary. This committee will include Kokrajhar Commissioner, representatives of Kokrajhar Medical College and officials of the Health Department, who will monitor and implement the necessary prevention measures.

Keeping in mind the shortage of field staff in the affected areas, Chief Executive Member Bodo directed for immediate deployment of malaria field staff from non-affected areas. He also called for immediate cooperation with the state health department to start an entomological survey in Kokrajhar district.

According to recent reports, an alarming rise in malaria cases has been observed in Kokrajhar, where 922 cases have been confirmed this year as compared to 256 cases in 2023.

BTC Health Department Executive Councillor Arup Kumar De, Kokrajhar Commissioner Masanda Magdalim Partin, Kokrajhar Medical College Principal, BTC Health Secretary and senior departmental officials were present in the meeting.

Later, Bodo also reviewed various major health-related schemes aimed at promoting a healthy Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR). The presentations included schemes such as the I Onsai Bithangki initiative, the Neighbourhood of Care (NOC) programme and the Bodoland Cancer Care Trust, along with discussions on their budgets and timelines. The meeting also reviewed the plans and activities of the Communities Vision Document Committee, as well as preparations for a two-day international workshop on BTR's Reconciliation Process: Status and Forward Steps- Integrating Research and Civil Society Process.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash