App launched to spread awareness about dengue, malaria

Mayor Sovan Chatterjee on Tuesday launched a health app to increase people's awareness about dengue and malaria.

This is for the first time that such an initiative was taken by the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) to combat the disease.

Chatterjee said the app will act as a link between the people of the city and KMC. "By accessing the app, our beloved rate payers will know how to prevent malaria and dengue by taking the KMC-prescribed measures. People should download this app to their mobile phones for their own benefit," he added.

Atin Ghosh, member, Mayor-in-Council (Health) said due to global warming, dengue is going to wreak havoc in the near future. To meet the impending exigencies, everyone needs to remain aware and active round the year. "To send out necessary messages to increase awareness, we are trying various campaign tracks. The app is our latest addition which will certainly help us spread our messages against dengue and malaria in a bigger way."

It may be mentioned that over the years, KMC has successfully brought down the number of malaria and dengue cases in the city following its sustained efforts round the year. The city has been divided into several zones and anti-larvae drives are conducted round the year. In January, a major awareness drive was launched by the KMC. The Union Health ministry has also lauded the efforts made by KMC and congratulated Atin Ghosh at a meeting held in New Delhi last year.

The app is very simple to use and it is packed with all need-based information and data about dengue and malaria right from their symptoms to how one can reach the nearest KMC clinic for a free check up and blood test. The app is available on Google Play Store and users can easily download it for free.

The salient features of the health app include symptoms, diagnosis and the do's and don'ts for prevention of dengue and malaria. It's a location sensing app and automatically senses the location of the users with regard to the KMC-provided facilities that are available in and around. Automatic navigational assistance in locating and reaching the nearest ward health centre of KMC is also available in the app. Addresses and telephone numbers of all senior officials in the Health department along with those in the vector control wing too have been given in the app. Dr Tapan Mukherjee, advisor of the KMC's Health department said without the participation of

Dr Tapan Mukherjee, advisor of the KMC's Health department said without the participation of public, no health awareness programme can be successful. Of the various initiatives taken up by KMC, the health app will be the most useful one he maintained. It was Dr Mukherjee who had conceptualised the app which was later okayed by Atin Ghosh. The app has been prepared by the KMC's Health department with technical support from Healthbuds. Dr Debashis Biswas, Chief Vector Control Officer said: "The app will be of immense help and very simple to operate."