With monsoon approaching, Ernakulam district health section has rolled out a key drive against spread of transmittable illnesses.

At a conference of top functionaries and heads, Health Minister V S Sivakumar instructed the functionaries to strengthen the actions in this regard.

District Medical Officer Dr R Sudhakaran stated that the functionaries on the existing situation of water-borne illnesses in Ernakulam.

He also detailed on the actions taken by the section to cope with spread of infectious diseases.

“The health department has adopted measures like superchlorination of wells, distribution of rat poison to households, inspection of residential areas and awareness creation as part of the efforts to prevent contagious diseases during monsoon,” Dr. Sudhakaran added.

Incidents of Hepatitis A and B were reported from a few regions of the city.

Last week, the health section identified a case of H1N1 fever from the region, accompanying which, the section had issued strict instructions to make sure the quality of drinking water.

While talking at the meeting, Urban Affairs Minister Manjalam Kuzhi Ali asked the functionaries to conduct regular checking and scrutiny at wayside eateries, in cooperation with the Corporation.

Recently, Kochi Corporation launched a drive to verify the quality of food and drinking water at wayside eateries.

The Health Minister promised to take steps to spread sufficient number of medics and make sure proper supply of medications in the major hospitals.

“Procedures have begun to deploy medical officials, including Rapid Action Teams at the hospitals,” he said.