Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, chaired a high-level meeting to review the dengue situation across India. The meeting aimed to assess the preparedness of public health systems for the prevention, containment, and management of dengue, particularly in view of the monsoon season and the global rise in dengue cases. It was informed that the Dengue Case Fatality Rate has reduced from 3.3 % (1996) to 0.1 % in 2024 as a result of focused, timely and collaborative activities.
Minister Nadda urged officials to prioritize high-burden states and regions where dengue outbreaks are frequently reported. He emphasized the need for proactive collaboration with state governments to achieve tangible results in dengue prevention. Targeting high-risk areas is critical to reducing the incidence and impact of dengue.
The Minister highlighted the need for inter-ministerial convergence meetings, involving:
1. Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA)
2. Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD)
3. Ministry of Education
4. Municipal corporations
5. Local self-governments
This coordinated approach aims to ensure a comprehensive and unified strategy for dengue prevention and control.
A key directive from the meeting was the establishment of a 24/7 Central Helpline for dengue prevention and awareness. Minister Nadda instructed officials to set up this helpline to provide continuous support and information to the public. Additionally, states were advised to operationalize their own helpline numbers to offer similar support at the regional level, ensuring that information and assistance are readily available to citizens across the country.
To enhance healthcare facility readiness, Minister Nadda directed AIIMS and all central Govt hospitals to ensure the availability of dedicated dengue wards. These wards should be fully equipped with Trained manpower, Essential drugs, Other necessary logistics.
They have also been instructed to create a referral system to optimally utilize their clinical facilities.
The Centre communicates actively with states for timely dengue prevention. Inter-sectoral meetings educate stakeholders on roles. Future efforts will strengthen with Union government's continued technical and budgetary support.
The Health Minister emphasizes educating communities about daytime-biting Aedes mosquitoes. A massive awareness campaign, including school children, promotes wearing protective clothing and eliminating stagnant water. A nationwide IEC campaign via TV, radio, and social media platforms will amplify awareness efforts.
Measures Taken for Dengue Prevention and Control
-Advisories and Meetings: 14 advisories issued in 2024; high-level meetings for technical guidance.
-Sentinel Surveillance Hospitals: Increased from 110 in 2007 to 848 in 2024 for free diagnosis.
-National Dengue Day: Observed annually on 16th May for pre-monsoon preventive activities.
-Updated Guidelines: Released on 10th August, 2023, for case management.
-Training and Support: Master trainers trained in national sessions; central teams review and provide diagnostic kits.
(Source: Press Information Bureau, Government of India)
Dr. Atul Goel, Director General of Health Services (DGHS), emphasized the importance of educating municipal bodies in states to prevent dengue outbreaks. He also recommended enhancing the design of coolers and tanks in buildings to prevent mosquito breeding.
Shri Apurva Chandra, Union Health Secretary; Smt. Aradhana Patnaik, Addl. Secretary, Health Ministry; Smt. L S Changsan, Addl. Secretary, Health Ministry; Dr Atul Goel, DGHS, Smt. Vandana Jain, Joint Secretary, Health Ministry; Prof. M Srinivas, Director, AIIMS New Delhi; Dr. Sarita Beri, Director, Lady Hardinge Medical College; Dr. Vandana Talwar, Medical Superintendent, Safdarjung Hospital; Dr. Ajay Shukla, Medical Superintendent, Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital; Dr Tanu Jain, Director, NCVBDC, Health Ministry and other senior officials of the Union Health Ministry were present in the meeting.
(Rehash/Pratiksha Jadhav/MSM)
