MoU Signed between NVDA and NMRI to Implement Health Master Plan

Narmada Valley Development Authority (NVDA) and National Malaria Research Institute (NMRI) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to implement health master plan to preempt the possibility of water-borne diseases in the major water bodies in Narmada Valley, said an official release.

Under the plan, specialists of NMRI will carry out intensive research in the various reservoir areas of the valley to find out the health environment of the habitat and possibilities of water-borne diseases like various types of Malaria, Dengue etc, said release.

Dr PW Kavathekar, advisor (Health) to NVDA said that an MoU has been signed in between NMRI New Delhi and NVDA recently for the health master plan.

Also, he made it clear that there was no outbreak of diseases in the valley at present and the current steps were the part of preventive measures.

The plan will be implemented with a budget of Rs 4.19 lakh Rs, the first installment of which – Rs 43.54 lakh – is being placed to NMRI and a team of experts would soon start their work in the valley.

Kavathekar informed that district hospitals in Dhar, Barwani, Khargone & Jhabua have already been provided mobile health laboratories by NVDA.

The health plan has been chalked out keeping in view the health aspects on the population in the valley, especially around the periphery of water bodies.

These water bodies have come into existence after major projects in the valley namely Rani Avanti Bai Sagar, Indira Sagar, Omkareshwar, Maan and Jobat were started, informed OP Rawat, vice chairman of Narmada Valley Development Authority.

Various researches conducted by NMRI in the valley would give way to preventive and curative measures, which is the aim of the plan.

Rawat said that steps would also be taken to increase the health awareness amongst the people in the valley.