In order to treat cases related to monsoon-related illness, the civic-run hospitals have started a fever Out Patient Department (OPD) in their premises. According to the BMC's public health department, around 1,300 extra beds have been reserved for monsoon-related illness cases.
Water-borne diseases increase in large numbers during the monsoon season, the civic authority starts fever OPD every monsoon season. Speaking at the social platform with the citizen at Together V-CAN, Dr Ashwini Joshi, additional municipal commissioner of MCGM, stated that emergency medical services have been established in municipal hospitals across the city.
She said, "As a health measure, free medication for fever at civic hospitals are provided for the citizens. Around three crore rupees medicines have been provided to the municipal hospitals through corporate social responsibility (CSR) activity."
"Besides this, pre-monsoon fumigation has been done across the city. Inspections of water tankers in various societies and buildings have been done to avoid mosquito breeding diseases." Dr Joshi added.
The civic body started the concept of opening fever OPD a few years ago looking at the increase in a number of cases because of monsoon-related illnesses. Usually after the heavy rainfall, a few weeks later more and more patients come for a medical check-up. Infections by virus and bacteria are main threats, hence, people need to adopt preventives measures and it is advisable to visit doctors.
Speaking about the preventive measures which need to be taken during the monsoon season, Dr Harshad Limaye, consultant, Internal Medicine at Nanavati Hospital, said, "Monsoon is that time of the year when various diseases outbreak such as cholera, malaria, dengue occur. Therefore one needs to take even more precautions than usual to not fall sick. Mosquitoes breeding process takes place during this season due to clogged water at various places. One needs to apply mosquito repellent creams and wear full sleeves clothes."
