MLA Sanjib Sardar Launches Emergency Response to Contain Malaria Outbreak in Potka

Potka: MLA Sanjib Sardar on Saturday chaired an emergency meeting with state, district, and block-level health officials, and directed them to launch a emergency operation to contain the outbreak.

Sardar inspected the Community Health Centre (CHC) to assess the medical response and met with patients and their families to review the available healthcare facilities. Following his hospital visit, the lawmaker travelled to the worst-hit villages. He visited the family of Lakhi Sardar in Sanagram village, who recently succumbed to brain malaria, to offer his condolences and assure them of full government support.

Medical Camps, Drug Distribution, and DDT Spraying Ordered

During the emergency meeting, the MLA issued a directive to control the vector-borne disease.

• Mass Screenings: Health teams must set up special medical camps in the affected villages to screen residents and distribute essential medicines.
• Vector Control: Workers must begin spraying DDT powder across the villages within the next 48 hours.
• Additional Manpower: The department will deploy additional Multi-Purpose Workers (MPWs) from neighboring blocks to handle the patient load.
• Mosquito Net Distribution: In collaboration with Tata Steel, the administration will distribute insecticide-treated mosquito nets to families in high-risk zones.

The MLA warned that the administration would not tolerate any negligence in relief operations. “We will issue immediate show-cause notices and take strict disciplinary action against any healthcare worker found derelict in their duty,” Sardar stated.

Multi-Department Push for a ‘Malaria-Free Potka’

Sardar pointed out that certain pockets within the block have turned into high-risk malaria zones. He urged the health department to coordinate with other administrative bodies to map these areas and run public awareness campaigns on preventing stagnant water accumulation.

“Health workers must reach every household, ensure timely testing, and provide immediate treatment with complete sensitivity,” the MLA added.