Report

As temperatures rise, the district health and family welfare department convened a meeting on Tuesday at the Govt Lady Goschen Hospital auditorium at Mangaluru to discuss summer safety protocols for educational institutions. Representatives from medical and nursing colleges, public instruction and pre-university education departments, degree and technical engineering colleges, and the social welfare department attended the session.

Preventing Food and Waterborne Diseases During Summer 

Health officials highlighted the risks of infectious diseases caused by contaminated food and water, including Hepatitis A and B, diarrhoea, typhoid, and cholera. They emphasized the importance of testing drinking water sources and implementing chlorination methods to ensure safety. District surveillance officer Dr Naveenchandra Kulal stressed the need for rigorous hygiene in hostel kitchens. He urged institutions to store food safely, dispose of waste properly, and conduct regular health screenings for kitchen staff.

Educational Institutions’ Role in Student Safety

District health officer Dr. HR Thimmaiah reminded institutions of their responsibility to safeguard students’ health. He urged them to prevent health issues, report any incidents immediately, and provide first aid when necessary. Authorities warned students against consuming street food and instructed institutions to enforce safety measures. Officials were directed to report any complaints about unsafe food to the Food Safety and Standards Authority for immediate action. Medical superintendent Dr Durgaprasad, food safety officer Dr Praveen, taluk health officer Dr Sujay, and other officials participated in the meeting.

Source: The Times of India