Private labs to send malaria,dengue data to civic body

In its battle against malaria,the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has for the first time roped in private laboratories to give data on malaria and dengue cases across the city.

Apart from the laboratory at the Kasturba Hospital and Haffkine Institute — which give reports on malaria and tests conducted at civic hospitals — private labs will send reports on malaria and dengue positive cases to the BMC. Based on this information,the location of the cases and probable source of mosquito breeding are now being tracked. With the system already in place in time for the monsoon and the annual spurt in malaria cases,a team from the insecticide department is also conducting fogging and anti-larvae activities.

“The BMC has limited capacity for laboratory testing. They have tied up with private laboratories to get reports from various parts and linked it with the insecticide department. This has helped in identifying the exact spots of mosquito breeding and taking action,” said a senior health department official.

Malaria cases have gone up in the city due to rampant construction activity,large swathes of open and vacant spaces and collection of water in tyres and open tanks. Officials said there is ample stock of medicines and adequate facilities at hospitals to tackle cases.