Health Secretary Dr. Rajesh Kumar launches dengue-chikungunya campaign:Issues advisory; directs hospitals to strengthen arrangements

Dehradun: Health Secretary Dr. R Rajesh Kumar has directed officials to stay alert, citing increased risk of dengue and chikungunya during summer and monsoon seasons.

Comprehensive surveillance and field action guidelines have been issued for all districts to tackle the diseases effectively. Health Secretary Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar said, - "Cleanliness is the first step in preventing mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and chikungunya. Until we control the source, i.e., source reduction, mosquitoes cannot be fully controlled. Therefore, all concerned departments have been directed to conduct continuous cleaning campaigns and involve the community in this effort. Municipal corporations and municipal bodies have also been directed for this purpose."

Separate dengue isolation wards will be established in all districts. These will have adequate number of beds with mosquito nets, trained doctors, nursing staff and necessary equipment.

Timely supply of platelets, ELISA test kits and other medical supplies has been made mandatory for serious patients (DHF/DSS).

When a positive case is found, space spray/focal spray action will be taken within a 50-meter radius of the patient's house.

Helpline and control room system to be strengthened The Health Secretary informed that helpline 104 has been issued for public assistance.

Control rooms will be established in all districts during the dengue infection period and their numbers will be made available to the State NVBDCP unit.

All districts have been directed to ensure daily reporting by 4 PM every day, whether there are cases or not.