SMS alert on viral cases

TT, Aug. 3: The Jalpaiguri district health department has introduced a SMS alert system to get prompt information about anyone showing symptoms similar to Japanese Encephalitis from health workers who visit villages, wards and tea gardens.

Prakash Mridha, the chief medical officer of health, today said the administration would introduce the SMS alert system to ensure early intervention and medical care to patients suffering from fever.

“We held a meeting with officials of Mainaguri and Dhupguri blocks in Dhupguri yesterday. These two are the worst affected blocks in Jalpaiguri district. At the meeting, we instructed the health workers, who visit villages, wards in towns, tea gardens and remote areas everyday, to inform us if anyone shows about any person with symptoms of JE or AES,” Mridha said.

“In case they come across any patient suffering from fever, they will immediately send text messages to the BMOH of the respective blocks and the BMOHs in turn, will forward the message to me. They have been told to send details of the patient such as the name, locality, health condition and some other details so that he/she can be located and medical care can be provided quickly,” he said.

According to the district health official, the health workers and officials in blocks have been asked to examine the patients immediately.