Surat: As part of a drive to prevent vector-borne diseases, mosquito breeding spots were identified at four city hospitals, while discarded material that could turn into breeding sites was detected at 306 hospitals.The health department of the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) inspected 687 govt and private hospitals and clinics during the drive. During the inspections, teams carried out source reduction measures at 306 locations and removed discarded tyres, plastic containers and other materials that could become mosquito breeding spots. These were found mainly on terraces and balconies. Officials said health teams collected such material, and in cases where removal was pending, notices were served directing premises owners to clear them. Owners are given seven days to remove the material or face action. “We go and check the location again in seven days to confirm that the actions were taken as instructed,” said a health official. Mosquito breeding was detected at four hospitals during the drive. In response, the department sprayed bio-larvicide to control breeding. A total of five hospitals were issued notices for keeping materials that could lead to mosquito breeding. The civic body also intensified checks at construction sites across the city. A total of 1,072 sites were inspected, and mosquito breeding was found at 555 of them. Notices were served on 112 sites for failing to prevent conditions that support breeding. At other locations, larvicides were sprayed and fines were collected. Administrative charges amounting to Rs 2.42 lakh were recovered during the enforcement drive. “These actions are mostly planned ahead of the monsoon, and they will continue. It is a type of awareness drive that helps prevent vector-borne disease during the monsoon,” said a health official.
