Kathmandu: Health and Population Minister Pradeep Paudel has said that work is being done with caution to control cholera.
Speaking at the meeting of the Legislature Parliament on Wednesday, he said that the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division under the ministry has mobilized rapid response teams at the provincial and local levels to conduct regular case investigations, search for patients and monitor symptoms of people who have come in direct contact with patients.
He said, “The patients of dysentery and cholera are being regularly monitored by 144 government and private hospitals.”
Minister Poudel, while explaining the motion to draw attention to the need to make effective forecasting, control and quick action for the health crisis that may be caused due to the cholera epidemic, registered by Lalitpur 3 MP Tosima Karki, mentioned that out of 68 people infected across the country, only 4 people are currently sick and they are also undergoing treatment.
‘The rate of disease control has increased,’ he said, ‘There is no need to declare a health emergency as control and rapid action are being taken together with all three levels. ‘
Minister Paudel informed that the necessary kits for dengue and cholera tests are available in all seven provinces and the information system has also been made effective with the provision of hotline number 1115 for necessary actions in case of an epidemic.
Minister Paudel said that there is coordination with the Ministry of Water Supply in the control of the epidemic, and the samples of drinking water are being tested in places where patients are found to be at risk, and necessary preparations are being made in case of need for vaccines.
Minister Paudel said, in places where cholera is confirmed, coordination is being conducted with partner organizations to conduct ward-targeted sanitation and clean drinking water campaigns.
Minister Paudel informed the parliament that the necessary work is being done by making the Cholera Control Prevention Plan 2024 and spreading awareness about cholera and dengue control through the Health Education Information and Communication Center.