The meeting was chaired by
Rajesh Soundararajan, Deputy Chairperson of VOCPA, and focused on strengthening
awareness and readiness among port stakeholders for the prevention and
management of Ebola outbreaks. During the programme, Dr. Naresh Kumar P.,
Chief Medical Officer, delivered an informative presentation outlining the
symptoms of Ebola, modes of transmission, preventive measures, and the critical
importance of timely reporting and rapid response mechanisms in protecting
public health. The session witnessed participation from senior port officials,
Port Health Officers, medical professionals from Thoothukudi Government Medical
College, and various port stakeholders. Discussions centered on coordinated
response strategies, health surveillance, and emergency preparedness measures to
mitigate potential health risks.
VOCPA stated that the initiative reflects its continued commitment to
promoting health awareness, ensuring workplace safety, and strengthening
emergency response capabilities within the port ecosystem. The authority emphasized
that collaboration among all stakeholders remains essential in safeguarding
public health and maintaining uninterrupted port operations in the event of any
health emergency. The awareness
programme forms part of VOCPA’s broader efforts to enhance preparedness against
emerging global health threats and reinforce the resilience of the maritime
sector.