Medicines to control larvae out of stock

LUDHIANA: Despite the city being a witness to the maximum number of dengue cases in 2008, the cases are surfacing and the number of dengue cases have reached more than 150 . The authorities are showing lackadaisical attitude as the medicines used for the control of mosquito larvae are out of stock.
Sources said the department has received only temophose.Pyrethrum that is used by the ant larvae wing to stop the breeding is out of stock. The department has send innumerable reminders and it is expected that the wing would get the medicines soon.
He added that along with the shortage of medicines, there is dearth of manpower in the anti-larvae wing.
Till now, 150 confirmed cases besides one death have been reported from the district. Moreover, everyday around 30 cases are pouring into different hospitals.
On Friday, the deputy commissioner issued the guidelines and directed the municipal corporation to conduct proper cleaning and submit the report during the next monthly meeting.
Last year, the city had reported maximum number of dengue cases. More than 4,000 cases and above 15 deaths were reported. Out of these, 10 were from the district, which led the Union government to order a probe into the matter. The report revealed that the district health authorities had failed to curb the transmission of the diseases in its incipient stage.
District authorities had come into action in mid October, by which time transmission was at its peak with cases being reported from every part of the area. the measures initiated were more of a damage-control effort rather than preventive. The report also talked about that the non-existence of district action plan for the year, 2008.
Incharge of the anti-larvae department, Bhagh Singh, said, ?Already, we have some stock of sprays. Order has already been placed for some medicines. These are expected to arrive within the next few days.?