AIIMS sets up Disease Outbreak Response Cell

New Delhi, May 10 (UNI) The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has established a multidisciplinary 'Disease Outbreak Response Cell' (DORC) to plan the response of the Institute to manage diseases, like dengue and typhoid fever, that can acquire epidemic proportions.

The Cell, headed by Forensic Medicine and Toxicology HOD Dr T D Dogra, held its first meeting yesterday.

''AIIMS bore the brunt of Dengue and Chikungunya fever last year. It was a learning experience, therefore, the cell has been formed,'' said an AIIMS spokesperson.

The cell will be responsible for organising public education activities at individual and community level to take steps to prevent mosquito breeding, ensure personal hygiene, food hygiene, water sanitation and general cleanliness.

''Focus of such activities is to prevent disease like Dengue, malaria, typhoid fever, gastroenteritis and hepatitis (jaundice),'' he added.

A telephone and internet helpline will also be operated DORC will also coordinate activities to ensure a smooth response for better patient care at AIIMS.

Professor of Community Medicine Dr Bir Singh is the Convenor of the cell.

UNI