Conjunctivitis Outbreak: ADDC Baramulla chairs meeting; discusses Action Plan

More than 960 cases with ‘Pink Eye’ Disease got treatment in Health Centres across district

BARAMULLA, August 11: In view of a sudden surge in conjunctivitis cases (pink eyes) in Baramulla district, the Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC) Baramulla, Aijaz Abdullah Saraf today convened a meeting of all concerned officers to discuss the action plan for mitigating the outbreak.

During the meeting, a threadbare discussion was held on the subject wherein a comprehensive action plan was discussed to mitigate the conjunctivitis disease in the district.

Speaking on the occasion, the ADDC showed his concern over the massive outbreak of pink eye disease in the district and said that the sudden surge of conjunctivitis cases has alarmed the people leaving scores of people grappling with the disease. He called for adopting coordinated approach besides adopting precautionary measures to combat the disease.

Briefing the chair about the status of the disease,  Chief Medical officer informed that a large number of patients with the same disease have approached the hospitals during which 780 patients were treated during the current month. He also said that the patients are being thoroughly checked by doctors and are advised to follow the precautionary measures in letter and spirit. 

Medical Superintendent,  Government Medical College Baramulla also appraised the meeting with regard to the flow of the patients with Conjunctivitis and said that 180 cases got treatment in the hospital. 

Other speakers including Expert Ophthalmologist, SDH Sopore,  also spoke on the occasion  and said that the causes of conjunctivitis vary, encompassing viral and bacterial infections, parasitic infestations, and allergies. 

While the discomfort associated with conjunctivitis is undeniable, Senior Ophthalmologist GMC Baramulla,  Sheikh Sadat reassured that the condition typically does not pose a threat to one’s vision, with most cases resolving without lasting effects. “ Timely treatment and proper care, however, are essential to avoid complications,” he added. 

On the occasion,  the team of experts advocated preventive measures, urging people to maintain good hand hygiene through frequent washing with soap and water.

Meanwhile, the ADDC directed concerned Officers to adopt a coordinated approach so that the unexpected outbreak gets eliminated. He also asked concerned authorities to aware the people with regard to the disease.

Moreover, Schools have been instructed to ensure hygiene and promptly report cases of conjunctivitis to nearby health renters. Parents were encouraged to collaborate with schools in managing affected children’s conditions.

Additional Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, Zahoor Ahmad Raina; Joint Director Planning, M.Yousuf Rather; Chief Medical officer Baramulla, Dr Bashir Ahmad Malik; Medical superintendent GMC Baramulla, Parvez Masoodi; Consultants, Dr Sheikh Sadat Ophthalmologist GMC and Dr Mohammad Ayaz Ophthalmologist SDH Sopore besides other functionaries of concerned departments were present in the meeting.