Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj Prepares Hospitals to Fight Dengue

New Delhi [India], July 8: Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj held a meeting with all the chiefs of Delhi hospitals to discuss preparations for combating dengue and other vector-borne diseases. The meeting was attended by the Medical Directors and Medical Superintendents of all Delhi government hospitals.

On Friday, Bharadwaj chaired another meeting with the concerned departments of the Secretariat to discuss preparedness for dengue. He stated, “When the rainy season starts, the risk of dengue, chikungunya, and malaria increases. Discussions are held with all departments to ensure water does not accumulate, preventing mosquito breeding. Hospitals have been alerted to keep all information related to dengue.”

Recently, the Delhi government held an emergency meeting due to heavy rains and waterlogging in the national capital. Delhi Minister Atishi mentioned that 200 hotspots prone to waterlogging have been identified. She explained that excessive rainfall, beyond the capacity of drains, is the cause of waterlogging.

The Union Health Ministry has urged states to maintain vigilance by screening pregnant women for Zika virus and monitoring the growth of fetuses of expecting mothers who test positive. Health facilities have been assigned nodal officers to ensure premises are Aedes mosquito-free. States have also been instructed to strengthen entomological surveillance and intensify vector control activities in various areas.