Siliguri, 09th August: The health officials deployed by the Siliguri Municipal Corporation (SMC) to conduct dengue surveys in all the wards of the city have suspended their activities due to security concerns. One of the primary initiatives involves health workers visiting homes to raise awareness about dengue, conducting health check-ups, and administering questionnaires. However, these efforts have been hindered by various difficulties faced by the health personnel during the surveys.
Reportedly, the Ward No. 05 has been identified as a dengue hotspot due to the increasing number of cases over recent years, prompting SMC to implement preventive measures. Recently, health workers encountered verbal abuse and obstructions during their survey activities in the area. Following this incident, the health workers approached the police. Concerned about their safety, the health personnel decided to cease their work in the region on Wednesday.
Responding to the situation, MMIC member Dulal Dutta and Ward Councillor Anita Mahato intervened, and along with the acting mayor-council of the health department, they joined the health workers to conduct the survey. Dutta expressed that despite having valid identity cards, certain individuals were impeding the survey’s progress. Consequently, a formal complaint was lodged with the police, alleging interference in government activities. The Ward No. 05 councilor emphasized the need for SMC’s intervention to ensure the safety and security of health workers in this challenging context.