New Bill for dengue control

Lakmini RODRIGO

COLOMBO: A new Dengue Breeding Control Bill drafted with the aim of minimising dengue breeding places and controlling dengue, will be presented for Cabinet approval within the first week of April, Health Ministry sources said.

The Bill gives power to the authorities to file action against people who cause the breeding of the mosquito and suggests increasing the relevant fines Rs.1,000 to 50,000 from the current Rs.1000-25,000.

The Health Ministry also plans to meet the Local Government heads immediately after the formation of new local bodies following the Local Government elections on March 30.

The Ministry has arrived at this decision to dispose the haphazardly collected garbage which is one of the major causes of dengue.

The decisions were taken at the special meeting held on Thursday at the Health Ministry. Five districts have been identified as 'High Risk' areas from where more than 61 per cent of the reported Dengue cases were reported.

According to the National Dengue Control Programme, the improper disposal of garbage in these areas accounted for the high number of dengue cases reported.

The high risk areas that have been identified include Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Kandy and Kurunegala Districts.

Each Medical Officer of Health (MOH) area in the high risk areas will be supplied with 1,000 compost fertiliser barrels as a measure to fight the garbage problem.

Health and Nutrition Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva had given directives to the National Dengue control Project Director Dr. Lakshmi De Silva to take action to carry out a long term programme to combat and control dengue.

It was also decided to establish a 24 hour Dengue Brigades, to raid dengue breeding places and fine those responsible.

Twenty permanent brigades that consists of 10-20 workers will be established on a district basis, and the group will also search and remove mosquito breeding places such as used tires, drains and other containers.

Meanwhile, a bill to ban polythene and plastic container production bill will be presented for Cabinet approval this month.