In anticipation of the monsoon season and the surge in mosquito-borne diseases, Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda chaired a crucial meeting on Wednesday. The meeting focused on assessing the preparedness of the public health system to tackle and manage dengue outbreaks effectively.

During the high-level gathering, Minister Nadda was briefed on the nationwide readiness levels to combat dengue. It was highlighted that concerted efforts, including timely interventions and collaborative strategies, have significantly reduced the dengue mortality rate from 3.3 percent in 1996 to a minimal 0.1 percent as of 2024.

Acknowledging the imminent challenges posed by the monsoon and the escalating dengue cases during rainy seasons, Minister Nadda emphasized the critical importance of proactive readiness. He directed officials to bolster preventive measures and strengthen management protocols against dengue outbreaks.

Minister Nadda urged officials to prioritize high-incidence states and regions where outbreaks are most prevalent. He called for active collaboration with state authorities to achieve tangible results in dengue prevention efforts.

Highlighting inter-ministerial coordination, the Minister stressed the need for comprehensive engagement involving the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, the Ministry of Rural Development, the Ministry of Education, as well as municipal bodies and local governance.

In a bid to enhance response capabilities, Minister Nadda instructed the establishment of a 24/7 central helpline dedicated to dengue prevention and control. States were also advised to activate similar helplines to provide immediate assistance.

Additionally, hospitals were directed to ensure fully equipped dengue wards staffed with trained personnel and stocked with essential medicines.

(Inputs from Hindustan Samachar)