As part of the Government of India's sustained efforts to strengthen public health preparedness and ensure a coordinated response to seasonal vector-borne diseases, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, today chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the preparedness for prevention and control of dengue in Delhi.
The meeting focused on reviewing the evolving epidemiological situation, evaluating the readiness of healthcare institutions and civic agencies. The deliberations included a comprehensive review of the epidemiological situation, preparedness of municipal bodies, hospitals and the State Government, and an assessment of surveillance systems, clinical management protocols and vector control measures.
The Union Health Minister was briefed on the national dengue scenario and the preparedness measures undertaken across the country, with special emphasis on the National Capital Territory of Delhi. A comprehensive action plan for dengue prevention and control in Delhi was presented, highlighting key interventions to strengthen disease surveillance, vector management, case detection, clinical management and public awareness.
The meeting also reviewed the implementation of the National Strategy for Prevention and Control of Dengue, which is being implemented across the country, including Delhi. The National Strategy for Prevention and Control of Dengue, which is being implemented across the country, including Delhi.
The strategy, known as the ‘Octalogue’, rests on eight pillars: surveillance, case management, vector management, outbreak response, capacity building, behaviour change communication, inter-sectoral coordination, and monitoring & supervision.
It was further informed that the Government of India has already taken several steps including issuance of advisories, high-level reviews, training on case management, provision of free diagnostic facilities, community awareness drives, inter-ministerial coordination and financial support under NHM.
Addressing the meeting, Shri Nadda noted that the incidence of dengue is currently low, with a very low mortality rate of 0.11%. However, he cautioned to remain vigilant against the potential risk in coming months. He stressed upon preparedness, particularly in the forthcoming months.
He emphasized that the state and municipal bodies be ready to proactively anticipate and prepare for any potential upsurge by clearly demonstrating their readiness. Highlighting the importance of an aggressive IEC campaign, he encouraged the adoption of innovative strategies to foster dengue awareness in the community, such as conducting special drives in schools, labour camps, and dengue-prone areas.
Highlighting the message of “Jan Chetna through Jan Bhagidari,” he called upon states to actively engage Ward Commissioners, elected representatives, and Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) in awareness and prevention efforts. The Union Health Minister directed several key action areas to strengthen dengue preparedness in Delhi. He emphasized intensifying vector control in areas experiencing increased fever cases.
Strengthening entomological surveillance to identify hotspots and intensifying fever surveillance across all affected areas were also highlighted. Shri Nadda called for ensuring hospital readiness by maintaining dedicated wards, sufficient beds, blood components, diagnostics, drugs, and insecticides, and alerting Sentinel Surveillance Hospitals (SSHs) as well as other public and private hospitals.
Establishing a rapid response mechanism with Rapid Response Teams on standby for immediate preventive action was stressed. Additionally, timely reporting of cases on IHIP-VBD from all hospitals, including private ones, coupled with daily district-level review meetings to track outbreaks and responses, was mandated.
The Union Health Minister also underscored the importance of reinforcing inter-sectoral coordination among municipal bodies, railways, cantonment board, public health engineering and health departments to ensure effective sanitation and vector control drives.
Scaling up community engagement through IEC activities was also urged, especially during the “Anti Dengue Month” of July starting today, for extensive IEC, advocacy to promote preventive measures such as the use of mosquito nets and full-sleeved clothing, and leverage schools, RWAs, market associations, community leaders, SHGs, and youth clubs for awareness campaigns.
The meeting provided a consolidated assessment of Dengue preparedness in Delhi, identified immediate action points for prevention, outbreak response and vector management, and reviewed steps to enhance hospital preparedness and surveillance in light of the heightened risk during the ongoing season.
Dr. Harsh Malhotra, Union Minister of State for the Ministry of Road Transport and Highway and Corporate Affairs and Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) from East Delhi; Shri Pankaj Kumar Singh, Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Government of NCT; Shri Parvesh Wahi, Mayor, MCD; Smt. Punya Salila Srivastava, Union Health Secretary; Shri Manoj Kumar Dwivedi, Special Secretary, Urban Development, Government of NCT; Directors of AIIMS New Delhi, Safdarjung Hospital, Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital, Lady Hardinge Medical College and Army Hospital; Representatives from NDMC, and Senior Officials from the State Health ministry and the Union Health Ministry were also present during the meeting.