Now Dengue hotline

Nadira GUNATILLEKE

The Healthcare and Nutrition Ministry has introduced a special hotline for the public to inform about mosquito breeding sites by their neighbours or any other persons. The number 0112665329 belonging to the Ministry's Chief Public Health Inspector is open from 8.30 am to 5.00 pm on weekdays, a Healthcare and Nutrition Ministry spokesman said.

He said the public can call this number and inform about any mosquito breeding site owned by their neighbours, institution or organisation. Apart from this, the public can also inform the PHI or the health authorities of the Municipal Councils about mosquito breeding grounds.

According to the spokesman, under the Prevention of Mosquito Breeding Act, now Medical Officers, Public Health Inspectors and Health Officials of Municipal Councils has been granted power to inspect mosquito breeding sites, and take legal action against offenders. The Ministry requests the public, State and private institutions and organisations to co-operate with the authorities to eradicate dengue from the country which can be a killer disease.

Dengue can only be prevented by destroying mosquito breeding sites.