Govt told to disseminate info on dengue

Kathmandu, September 16

The National Information Commission has directed the Ministry of Health and Population to inform the public about dengue, its mode of transmission, causes, signs and symptoms, availability of treatment methods, ways of prevention and the information of hospitals and health centres that are delivering services to patients.

It has directed the health ministry to spread the message and reach the public by publishing and broadcasting public queries about dengue infection, along with advice of doctors and experts via different communication media.

It directed the ministry to disseminate necessary information on how to search and destroy eggs and larvae of the dengue causing mosquitoes, adding that the ministry should provide information debunking myths related to dengue.

Directing the ministry to share information in English, Nepali and other national languages through newspapers, online media, television, radio and other modes of communication, it added that the ministry should also ensure distribution of leaflets and pamphlets, inform students about dengue, share information in areas where the public gathers, make flex and hoarding boards and help in spreading awareness about the vector-borne infection. It has also directed the ministry to make use of social sites while disseminating information about dengue outbreak and preventive measures.

Organising a press meet in the capital today, the commission stated that efforts made by the government, health ministry, hospitals and health centres, media and welfare organisations and people in preventing the spread of dengue should be shared with the public. It also directed the ministry to coordinate with provincial and local governments to share information about dengue across the country. It directed the ministry to share the main points about dengue prevention with the public through SMS messages. “Dengue outbreak has spread panic among the public. The government should have provided information to the public about the disease but it did not do so. That is why we have directed the ministry to share information with the public,” said Krishna Hari Baskota, chief information commissioner.

“It is the right of citizens to get information. We have the right to direct the authorities concerned to share information with the public,” Yashoda Timsina, NIC spokesperson and information commissioner, told THT.