Centre Reviews Dengue Preparedness in Delhi Ahead of Peak Monsoon Season; Focus on Surveillance, Vector Control and Hospital Readiness
With the monsoon season increasing the risk of vector-borne diseases, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Jagat Prakash Nadda chaired a high-level review meeting to assess Delhi’s preparedness for the prevention and control of dengue. The meeting evaluated the current epidemiological situation, healthcare readiness, surveillance mechanisms, and coordinated action plans to prevent any surge in dengue cases across the national capital.
Comprehensive Review of Dengue Preparedness
The review meeting examined the preparedness of Delhi’s municipal bodies, hospitals, and the State Government. Officials presented a detailed assessment of disease surveillance systems, clinical management protocols, vector control measures, and public health interventions aimed at strengthening dengue prevention during the high-risk monsoon period.
The Union Health Minister was briefed on the national dengue situation, with special emphasis on Delhi. Authorities presented a comprehensive action plan focusing on enhanced disease surveillance, vector management, early case detection, improved clinical management, and large-scale public awareness campaigns.
Implementation of National Dengue Control Strategy
The meeting also reviewed the implementation of the National Strategy for Prevention and Control of Dengue, commonly referred to as the ‘Octalogue’, which is being implemented across India, including Delhi.
The strategy is based on eight key pillars:
- Disease surveillance
- Case management
- Vector management
- Outbreak response
- Capacity building
- Behaviour change communication
- Inter-sectoral coordination
- Monitoring and supervision
Officials informed the minister that the Central Government has already undertaken multiple preventive measures, including issuing advisories, conducting high-level review meetings, providing free diagnostic facilities, organising training programmes on dengue case management, strengthening community awareness campaigns, promoting inter-ministerial coordination, and extending financial support under the National Health Mission (NHM).
JP Nadda Calls for Vigilance Despite Low Dengue Mortality
Addressing the meeting, JP Nadda noted that the current dengue incidence remains low, with a mortality rate of only 0.11%. However, he cautioned that the coming months could witness an increase in cases and stressed the need for proactive preparedness.
He directed state authorities and municipal bodies to remain fully prepared for any potential rise in infections and demonstrate readiness through timely preventive measures.
Special Awareness Campaigns in Schools and High-Risk Areas
The Health Minister emphasised the need for an aggressive Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaign to increase public awareness about dengue prevention.
He suggested organising targeted awareness drives in:
- Schools
- Labour camps
- Dengue-prone localities
Promoting the message of “Jan Chetna through Jan Bhagidari,” Nadda urged active participation from Ward Commissioners, elected representatives, Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), and local communities to strengthen prevention efforts.
Hospitals Asked to Strengthen Emergency Preparedness
The Union Minister instructed health authorities to intensify vector control activities in areas reporting increased fever cases and strengthen entomological surveillance to identify mosquito breeding hotspots.
He also directed hospitals to ensure complete preparedness by maintaining:
- Dedicated dengue wards
- Adequate hospital beds
- Sufficient blood components
- Diagnostic facilities
- Essential medicines
- Insecticides
Sentinel Surveillance Hospitals (SSHs), along with both public and private healthcare facilities, have been asked to remain on alert throughout the dengue season.
Rapid Response Teams and Daily Monitoring Ordered
To ensure swift outbreak management, Nadda instructed authorities to keep Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) on standby for immediate preventive action.
He also directed:
- Timely reporting of dengue cases through the IHIP-VBD surveillance portal
- Mandatory reporting by both government and private hospitals
- Daily district-level review meetings to monitor case trends and outbreak response
Inter-Departmental Coordination to Be Strengthened
The Health Minister stressed stronger coordination among municipal corporations, railways, cantonment boards, public health engineering departments, and health authorities to improve sanitation and eliminate mosquito breeding sites.
As part of the nationwide Anti-Dengue Month beginning in July, he called for intensified IEC campaigns promoting preventive measures such as the use of mosquito nets, wearing full-sleeved clothing, and eliminating stagnant water. Schools, RWAs, market associations, self-help groups, youth clubs, and community leaders have been urged to actively participate in awareness campaigns.
Senior Officials Participate in High-Level Meeting
The review meeting was attended by Union Minister of State Dr. Harsh Malhotra, Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh, MCD Mayor Parvesh Wahi, Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava, senior officials from the Government of NCT of Delhi, representatives from NDMC, and directors of leading hospitals including AIIMS New Delhi, Safdarjung Hospital, Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, Lady Hardinge Medical College, and Army Hospital.
The meeting concluded with a comprehensive assessment of Delhi’s dengue preparedness and outlined immediate action points to strengthen surveillance, vector control, hospital readiness, and outbreak response ahead of the peak monsoon season.
