Every year, the monsoon brings with it numerous viral and bacterial diseases, and it is the health workers at the ward-level who keep the spread under control. “At the ward level, we closely monitor the weekly trends of diseases in every area,” explained Dr Prajakta Amberkar, the medical officer for D ward, where a community medical camp was organised recently.

Health camps

At the health camp at MP Mill Compound in Tardeo, residents received free medical consultations, blood tests and medicines. Such weekly outreach programmes are routine in every ward and help reduce the spread of numerous diseases, said officials. Community health workers go door-to-door to notify residents about the camp. “These health workers are crucial because the selection of camp locations relies on prior door-to-door surveys where they take note of flu-like symptoms,” Dr Amberkar said. “There have been 20 dengue cases in D ward between August 1 and 18, including nine confirmed cases and 11 suspected,” she added.