Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Jagat Prakash Nadda chaired a high-level meeting today in New Delhi to review the dengue situation across the country and preparedness of public health system for prevention, containment and management of dengue in view of the onset of monsoon and the rise in dengue cases globally.
During the meeting, Nadda emphasized the importance of being prepared against dengue and directed the officials to gear up and strengthen prevention, containment and management measure.
The Union Minister urged officials to primarily focus on high burden states and regions where outbreaks are frequently reported and to proactively work with States to bring tangible results on dengue prevention. He particularly stressed on inter-ministerial convergence meeting involving Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD), Education Ministry and Municipal Corporations and local self govt. for sensitization on their roles and responsibilities for dengue prevention and control.
Highlighting the importance of communication and awareness enhancement activities, Nadda announced that a massive IEC (Information, Education & Communication) campaign will be taken up to sensitise communities through TV, radio, social media etc., platforms across the country.
The Union Health Minister directed for the officials to create a 24/7 central helpline number for dengue prevention and awareness, and support for queries on the symptoms, treatment protocols and help during emergency situation. States were also advised to operationalize similar Helpline numbers.
Further, Nadda has directed AIIMS and all central Govt hospitals to have dedicated dengue wards are fully equipped with trained manpower, drugs and other logistics. They have also been instructed to create a referral system to optimally utilize their clinical facilities.
Dr. Atul Goel, Director General of Health Services (DGHS) highlighted the need for sensitizing municipal bodies in states for preventing dengue outbreaks. He also suggested on improving coolers and tanks in buildings to make them immune from mosquito breeding.
