Agartala, June 26 (TIWN): After visiting malaria affected areas in the state, the three-member team of Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare led by its addl director Dr. Avadhesh Kumar has arrived here and had a long discussion with Health and Family Welfare minister Badal Chowdhury.

Later speaking to reporters at secretariat today evening Mr. Kumar said the team have visited all malaria affected  four district  Dhalai, Gomati,South Tripura and Khowai. “During the visit we have collected data of last five years in the state, and probable cause of sudden outbreak off malaria” said central team leader.

He also informed the report will be submitted to union ministry of health and family welfare after returning to Delhi. The central team also suggested some initiatives to be taken on emergency basis to tackle the malaria havoc.   

Mr. Kumar said, “There is a need to strengthen the overall healthcare system in the state to prevent these diseases and more financial commitment to contain them. In this regard, we cannot over emphasize the importance of primary healthcare. People have to be empowered with awareness to ensure that these diseases are prevented.”

He stated that prevention of vector-borne diseases is not just the job of government departments, even people have to join hands to ensure that breeding of vectors is not allowed.

“Each year, the State Health Department spends a large amount of money and resources on creating awareness, ensuring door-to-door checking of vector breeding and informing residents on what to do in case symptoms are detected. People, too, have to co-operate by keeping high hygiene standards, or else we will have to continue to bear the assault of vector-borne diseases,” he added.