Ahead of the monsoon season, Union Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya on Friday virtually reviewed the preparedness of States for the prevention and control of vector-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue, chikungunya, kaka azar, and Japanese Encephalitis.
Health Ministers from 18 States joined the review meeting virtually. Meanwhile, Principal Secy (Health) and MD, NHM were also present.
Chief Minister Sikkim, Health Ministers from 22 States, Pr. Secretaries (Health), MD NHM and senior officers from the States virtually joined the review meeting. Shri Sudhansh Pant, Officer on Special Duty, MoHFW was also present.
During the meeting, Mandaviya said: “We effectively reduce the disease burden with proactive preparation anticipating the health requirements and making adequate provisions for them ahead of time.”
Moreover, the Union Health Minister exhorted states to make optimum utilization of budget for investing in state health infrastructure, reiterating that prevention measures implemented lead to decreased disease burden.
States that have performed notably in reducing the burden and eliminating it in various districts were commended by the Health Minister during the meeting.
He also urged community participation by enhancing and emphasizing on behavioral campaigns and information education communication to villages, schools and neighborhoods.
Meanwhile, the States were advised to involve Ayushman Bharat- Health & Wellness Centres for notification of cases, case management, ensuring community engagement through IEC/Social Mobilization campaign. They were also assured timely availability and effective distribution of drug/diagnostics as well as any other required resources specified by the states.
Rajiv Manjhi, Joint Secretary, Dr. Tanu Jain, Director, Dr. Atul Goel, Director General Health Services (DGHS), and other senior officers of Union Health Ministry were present in the virtual review meeting along with Mission Directors and other senior officials from States/UTs.
Malaria, Dengue, Chikungunya, Japanese Encephalitis, Lymphatic Filariasis, and Kala-Azar are some of the vector-borne diseases that are prevalent in India.
