TMC Trains 120 Health Workers in Naupada on Disease Surveillance

The Public Health Department of the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) conducted a specialized one-day training workshop at Rotary Centre in Naupada to strengthen vector-borne disease surveillance. Organized through the Metropolitan Surveillance Unit, the session brought together nearly 120 Multi-Purpose Workers and laboratory technicians.

The workshop focused on refining field operations, diagnostic accuracy, and digital reporting protocols across the municipal area. District Malaria Officer Dr. Santoshi Shinde led practical demonstrations covering standardized methods for drawing blood samples, preparing slides, ensuring accurate labeling, and safely transporting samples to testing facilities. Field workers were also trained on proper stencil-marking procedures during routine door-to-door health inspections.

Technical challenges concerning the Integrated Health Information Platform portal were addressed by Filaria Department Head Dr. Manisha Pawar, who outlined steps to streamline real-time digital reporting. Laboratory Surveillance Officer Ashish Shah provided guidelines to optimize field sample collection and sync operations smoothly with municipal laboratories.

During the session, the Public Health Department felicitated top-performing health workers with floral bouquets in recognition of their blood sample collection efforts.

Civic officials stated that the refresher program is expected to improve surveillance accuracy, shorten sample processing turnaround times, and strengthen early detection of malaria and related illnesses. The program was held under the leadership of Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Prasad Patil and Deputy Medical Health Officer Dr. Smitali Humraskar.