Integrated pest control measures in Civil Hospital

Ludhiana, April 5, 2024: Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sawhney said that the administration would ensure proper pest control management at the local civil hospital. 

Sawhney said that around two weeks back, a complaint was received in her office in this regard following which a team led by SDM Vikas Hira along with doctors had inspected the hospital on March 7 and found that the rodent problem in the second and third floors of the Mother and Child hospital. 

The Deputy Commissioner said that on the recommendations of the team headed by SDM, PAU's zoology department was roped in to solve the issue and ensure effective pest control involving preventive steps, habitat modification and use of pesticides/chemicals, education of staff/patients and cleanliness to reduce pest attractions. First spray was done on March 19 in the sections of the building where the rodent problem was reported and second was carried out today. 

A mechanism will be evolved to eliminate the issue, said Sawhney and added that strict directions have been issued to the civil hospital authorities. She said that regular inspections of the buildings/grounds would be done to check potential pest problems only and proper record of pest incidences, treatment applied, treatments applied, their outcomes to track progress and adjust strategies accordingly will be managed. All the cracks in the walls/floors/foundations will be properly repaired. Leakages will be removed as these attract pests. Drainage around buildings to prevent water stagnation will be ensured. 

Sawhney said that Municipal Corporation Ludhiana had been asked to shift the garbage dump from the backside of the hospital immediately as it has become a main cause of rodent menace. She said that the patients would be sensitized to not to throw food items openly and ensure proper dumping of waste into the dustbins. NGOs which distribute food items free of cost to the patients will also be encouraged to motivate the patients to use dustbins for proper disposal. 

The Deputy Commissioner said that the administration was committed to resolve the issue at the earliest and it would leave no stone unturned to facilitate the patients.