The Government of Nagaland, through the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP), has issued a strict mandate requiring all private and public healthcare providers to screen all fever cases for malaria. “As we are in the elimination phase, it is crucial that no malaria case goes undetected,” stated Dr E Motsuthung Patton, Principal Director, Department of Health & Family Welfare (DH&FW).
The Government’s decision, backed by the powers conferred under Section 2 of the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897, compels healthcare providers, NGOs, civil society partners, and other stakeholders to immediately report every confirmed malaria case to the Chief Medical Officer, District Vector Borne Disease (VBD) Officer, or State Programme Officer. This step aims to enhance early diagnosis, proper case management, and reduce the malaria burden in the state.
The government has clarified the case definitions for malaria. A suspected malaria case is characterized by symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and unexplained fever, especially if the individual resides in or has recently traveled to an endemic area. A confirmed malaria case is diagnosed when the presence of the malaria parasite is detected using diagnostic methods like microscopy, Rapid Diagnostic Kits (RDTs), or molecular tests.
As part of this new mandate, healthcare providers, including government health institutions, private clinics, and NGOs, are required to report every confirmed malaria case to the District Health Authority immediately. All confirmed cases must be communicated without delay to ensure effective epidemiological assessment and the prompt implementation of preventive measures.
In addition to the health protocols, the government has emphasized the legal implications of failing to comply with the mandate. Under the Epidemic Diseases Act, non-compliance will be treated as an offense and can be punishable under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), with strict legal actions taken against violators.
The NVBDCP has called on all healthcare providers and organizations to cooperate in this collective effort to eliminate malaria and safeguard public health in Nagaland.