Union Health Minister JP Nadda held a high-level meeting on Thursday to review preparedness for dengue and malaria ahead of the monsoon season.
“Underlining the need for early preparedness and proactive public health response to effectively manage dengue and malaria during the upcoming monsoon and post-monsoon months, Health and Family Welfare Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda today chaired a high-level review meeting with senior officials of the Health Ministry,” the Health Ministry said in a statement.
During the meeting, the Minister of Health reviewed the current situation of the disease across the country and stressed the need to maintain a high level of vigilance to effectively prevent and control mosquito-borne diseases.
He stressed that coordinated efforts between the central government, states, union territories, local administrations and healthcare institutions are essential to reduce the disease burden and ensure timely response to emerging public health challenges.
Nadda directed all states to strengthen surveillance systems for early detection of cases and outbreaks. The Ministry of Health said that he stressed the importance of prompt reporting, active monitoring and rapid response mechanisms to contain the spread of infection.
The Health Minister has instructed hospitals and healthcare facilities across the country to remain fully prepared and ensure adequate availability of medicines, diagnostic facilities, blood components, hospital beds and trained healthcare workers. He stressed that patient care services must remain uninterrupted and that healthcare institutions must be equipped to effectively manage any increase in the number of cases.
Nadda called for the intensification of vector control activities, including source reduction, elimination of mosquito breeding sites, fogging, and other public health interventions in at-risk areas. He urged states and local bodies to take sustainable preventive measures in coordination with community stakeholders.
The Minister of Health also stressed the need to enhance public awareness regarding preventive measures against mosquito-borne diseases. He called for launching large-scale information, education and communication campaigns to educate citizens about maintaining hygiene, preventing water stagnancy, using personal protection measures, and seeking timely medical care in the event of symptoms. He also called for active participation of resident welfare societies, panchayati raj institutions and community organizations in maintaining a mosquito-free environment.
“Awareness, early diagnosis, timely treatment and community participation remain the key pillars in the fight against dengue and malaria,” Nadda said.
