The Hindu : Front Page : Malaria research institute to be set up

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Jun 12, 2007
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Malaria research institute to be set up

C. Jaishankar

At Rameswaram at a cost of Rs.10 crore

RAMANATHAPURAM: As an important step to control incidences of malaria, the Government has decided to establish a Malaria Research and Training Institute at Rameswaram at a cost of Rs.10 crore.

The institute is expected to play a vital role in fighting malaria, which is endemic in the Rameswaram Island and some parts of the district.

While the Director General of Health Services, Department of Family Welfare of the Central Government, will bear the cost for establishing the institute, the State Government will execute the project. The proposed project is part of the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme.

The Collector, R. Kirlosh Kumar, told The Hindu that the institute could be used for training as well as research purposes with regard to prevalence of malaria and mosquitoes. Staff pattern for the research institute was yet to be decided.

V. Uma Maheswari, Deputy Director, Health Services, said the institute would be established within 5 km radius of Rameswaram. At least one acre of land would be required.

The process of identifying land had already been started. Works would start within six months after getting allotment for the land.

M. Kathiresan, District Entomologist, said besides Rameswaram, a similar institute would be set up in Hogenakkal near Dharmapuri. Rameswaram was selected because it was considered a malaria-prone area.

The mosquito vector species, which were found in Rameswaram and its nearby areas, were totally different from other areas.

Hence, extensive studies and research could be done on mosquito species of the area.

Mrs. Maheswari said all medical officers and primary health centres were directed to closely monitor fever cases.

Field level staff members were asked to take preventive steps wherever needed.

Since Rameswaram was a pilgrim centre, there could be chances of `imported' fever cases particularly from Kerala.

Hence, a team would be posted there.

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