The outbreak of Japanese Encephalitis (JE) is likely to hit the works related to the update of the much awaited National Register of Citizens (NRC).
While the NRC authorities are running ahead of time to publish the final NRC on July 31, 2019 the state health department has requested the NRC authorities to release the department workers, who are attached to the NRC works.
There are thousands of Multi Purpose Workers (MPW), Surveillance Workers (SW) and Malaria Technical Supervisors (MTS) of the state health department, who are attached to the NRC office, to help carry out the NRC update work.
Also read: There may be mistakes in NRC update process: Assam Governor
Health officials said that the commissioner and secretary, health & family welfare, Anurag Goel, reviewed the scenario of JE and AES in the state and took stock of the status of MPW, SW and MTS and the work done by the them.
“The commissioner has given a clear instruction that those MPW/SW/MTS attached in the NRC may be released due to the present scenario and they may resume duties at the stationed areas,” officials said adding that non-compliance of the order will lead to strict disciplinary actions.
Also read: Assam: Japanese Encephalitis death toll rises to 50
He said that the improved blood slide collection reflected upon the activeness of the field level workers in the last few days.
However, in few districts, the same was not reflected and so, the commissioner instructed to tighten the surveillance and improve the blood slide collection.
According to the health department, 64 people have died of JE since January this year while there are still over 190 cases who have tested positive for JE so far.
The Assam health minister had earlier this month said that the government has decided to keep on hold leaves for all doctors and para medical staff including surveillance workers across the state due to outbreak of JE.