The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) is taking steps to prevent seasonal diseases during the monsoon season by organizing free medical camps in parts of Hyderabad that are prone to diseases. So far, the GHMC has set up 175 health camps and carried out 191 anti-larva operations to combat the spread of diseases.
The GHMC is working with the Department of Health, Medical, and Family Welfare to carry out these initiatives. To control mosquito populations, they are using methods like fogging, releasing oil balls, and introducing Gambusia fish into water bodies. The health camps started on August 5 and will continue until August 15, covering 495 colonies in 108 wards identified as mosquito hotspots.
In these hotspots, 345 people have been diagnosed with dengue, and one person has malaria. To address the issue, anti-larva operations have been conducted in about 50 homes where dengue cases were reported. Additionally, the survey found over 68,434 houses and 43 areas with water stagnation.
Efforts are also being made in the Musi River area, where anti-larvae operations have been conducted at 24 locations. According to a senior GHMC official, 6,151 houses were sprayed where dengue cases were found, and indoor residual spraying was done in 118 schools and 12 colleges. Furthermore, 365 oil balls were released in 62 locations and 148 open areas, and 1,665 Gambusia fish were released at 17 breeding areas across 16 locations.
In 4,846 colonies in Greater Hyderabad, the GHMC is working with Residents Welfare Associations. Four Anti-Larvae Operators (ALOs) are assigned to each colony to conduct fogging, anti-larvae operations, and door-to-door awareness campaigns. These efforts are part of the Cleanliness-Greenness programme, and stickers have been distributed to raise awareness.
