Udupi Deputy Commissioner Swaroopa TK Advocates for Enhanced Preventive Healthcare Measures
In a significant move to bolster public health, Deputy Commissioner Swaroopa TK of Udupi district has underscored the critical need for widespread awareness about health education among the populace. She emphasized that preventive healthcare is essential to effectively reduce the incidence of diseases across the community.
Comprehensive Review Meeting on Health Initiatives
Swaroopa TK made these remarks while presiding over a meeting of various health department committees at the DC's office in Rajathadri on Tuesday. The session focused on implementing robust strategies to improve healthcare outcomes in the district.
Focus on Maternal and Child Health
Key directives were issued to ensure comprehensive care for pregnant women and newborns. Officials were instructed to guarantee that all pregnant women in Udupi district receive Tayi cards, which are crucial for tracking maternal health. Additionally, doctors and medical staff in hospitals are required to conduct regular review meetings at their level to ensure proper care and treatment, with the ambitious goal of reducing maternal mortality to zero.
The DC stressed the importance of providing necessary treatment to both mother and child post-delivery and facilitating referrals to higher medical centers if specialized care is needed. In light of the recent tragic death of a pregnant woman, Sabista Banu, who was initially treated at Karkala Hospital before being shifted to a higher facility, Swaroopa TK directed that the case be referred to a medical board for a thorough investigation to prevent similar incidents.
Immunisation and Deworming Efforts
Ensuring no child is left behind in the immunisation programme was a top priority. Officials were tasked with identifying children who have missed vaccinations and administering vaccines on rescheduled dates. The district has already achieved a milestone by distributing deworming tablets to 100% of eligible beneficiaries, showcasing effective public health execution.
Support for Mentally Ill Individuals
Swaroopa TK highlighted the need to assist mentally ill persons found wandering on roads after losing their identity. She urged officials to shift such individuals to emergency care and recovery centers. To facilitate this, the helpline number 7795978883 should be publicized widely, enabling the public to inform authorities promptly if such persons are encountered.
Tuberculosis Elimination and Blood Bank Management
The DC emphasized increasing tuberculosis testing to identify patients early and provide timely treatment, noting that 64 Gram Panchayats in the district were selected for gold, silver, and bronze recognition this year for their efforts in tuberculosis elimination and treatment.
Regarding blood banks, while current stocks exceed government targets, Swaroopa TK called for more blood donation camps to be organized, as patients from other districts often visit Udupi for advanced treatment. She directed officials to take steps to establish new blood banks soon in Byndoor, Kundapur, and Udupi to enhance capacity.
Infrastructure Development and Funding
Funds have already been released by the government to improve basic infrastructure at urban primary health centers and Namma Clinics. Officials were instructed to take immediate action in accordance with guidelines to develop these facilities, ensuring they meet the growing healthcare demands of the district.
