To assess the implementation of NVBDCP and Non-Communicable Disease programme, the National Vector Borne Diseases Control Programme (NVBDCP) inspected health centres in Mokokching and also held district monitoring on August 23 and 24.
A press release by NVBDCP informed that the team, led by Senior Regional Director Imphal, Dr. LA Singh, along with Deputy Director NVBDCP Dr. Tinurenla Anichari, state consultants, district consultant, Malaria Technical Staff, and Surveillance Workers (SW), inspected several locations including Primary Health Centre (PHC) Longkhum village, PHC Ungma village, Dr. Imkongliba Memorial District Hospital, Health Sub-Centre Mokokchung village, office of Chief Medical Officer in Aliba village, and Lenjem Hospita.
During interactions with medical staff, district NVBDCP personnel and ASHAs, Dr. Singh emphasized on timely detection of malaria cases, which was crucial to prevent outbreaks and stressed on the importance of surveillance. He also advised that blood slides should only be collected if results could be provided within 24 hours.
In cases where trained laboratory technician was unavailable, he recommended using Rapid Diagnostic Tests. Dr. Singh later highlighted that blood slides should be collected only from individuals currently suffering from fever or those who had fever within past two weeks and also noted that there could be indigenous cases if individuals do not disclose their travel history. He thereby urged screening of people coming from outside state, especially migrant laborers, and to establish coordination with paramilitary forces. He also recommended employing SWs to conduct screening on a fortnightly basis.
Observing that many patients prefer private hospitals over government facilities, Dr. Singh suggested maintaining regular contact with private hospitals on quarterly basis to stay updated on malaria cases.
Regarding distribution of Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs), Dr. Singh urged importance of encouraging people to use mosquito nets and maintaining accurate stock records with daily updates on the IHIP portal.