Indian health minister convenes high-level meeting to assess dengue situation
Date
7/10/2024 9:51:40 AM
(MENAFN) In response to the escalating number of dengue fever cases across India, health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda convened a high-level meeting on Wednesday in New Delhi to assess the dengue situation and overall readiness in the country. The meeting brought together senior doctors from prominent government hospitals and officials from the federal health ministry to strategize on combating the mosquito-borne disease.
Dengue cases typically surge following the monsoon season in India, which spans from mid-June to the end of August. Reports indicate a significant rise in cases, particularly in the southern state of Karnataka, where more than 7,000 cases have been reported this year, with Bengaluru being severely affected. In Delhi alone, nearly 250 cases have been recorded from January to June 29, 2024, marking the highest count for this period since at least 2019, though no fatalities have been reported so far.
During the meeting, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah disclosed that the state had documented 7,362 dengue cases, with 303 patients hospitalized and seven deaths reported as of July 8. The number rose further with an additional 185 cases reported on Tuesday, bringing the total to 7,547.
Minister Nadda emphasized a proactive approach in addressing the dengue outbreak, urging officials to prioritize states and regions with high disease burdens. He instructed the establishment of a 24/7 central helpline dedicated to dengue prevention and awareness. Additionally, he called for hospitals in affected areas to set up specialized dengue wards equipped with trained staff, medications, and necessary logistics to manage and treat patients effectively.
The government's concerted efforts underscore a focused response to mitigate the impact of dengue, highlighting the importance of collaborative measures between federal and state authorities, healthcare facilities, and public awareness campaigns to curb the spread of the disease and protect public health across India.
MENAFN10072024000045015839ID1108427596
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.