Concerned over news reports on increasing cases of fever and other communicable diseases in the Raute community in Barahtalpokhari area in the district, the Office of Prime Minister and Council of Ministers (OPMCM) directed the Health secretary to mobilise a medical team for Rautes’ treatment.

According to Shanta Raj Subedi, secretary at the OPMCM, the chief district officer in Dailekh has been asked to monitor the situation and conduct field visit and, if needed, send the specialised medical team to take the situation under control.

The local authorities have also been directed to initiate awareness campaigns and programmes to improve the public health and personal hygiene among the Rautes, Subedi said. Around 142 Rautes are living in the area and many of them are said to be suffering from diseases due to poor hygiene and sanitation.