The Delhi government will now ensure good inter-sectoral cross-border coordination with neighbouring States and districts so that control measures can be taken in case of an increasing trend of vector-borne diseases in its neighbouring areas.
Announcement
This was announced after Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain reviewed the preparedness and status of action taken for prevention and control of vector-borne diseases — dengue, chikungunya, malaria and seasonal influenza — with senior officials of the Department and other stakeholder agencies.
Mr. Jain said 500 fever clinics will be established in different healthcare facilities, like hospitals and dispensaries, to cater fever patients during high transmission time.
The present status of vector-borne diseases, comparative data, future action plan, and roles and responsibilities of local bodies were discussed in detail. There was special emphasis on across-the-border transmission of vector-borne diseases.
The Department has a 24x7 control room at the Directorate of Health Services headquarters to address queries and grievances of the public regarding vector-borne diseases and seasonal influenza.
“A communication will be sent to the neighbouring States/ districts [Sonipat, Rewari, Rohtak, Faridabad, Gurugram, Mewat, Baghpat, Ghaziabad, Hapur, Gautam Budh Nagar] regarding opening of fever clinics in their healthcare facilities, and other measures to be taken for prevention and control of vector-borne diseases, and better coordination,” Mr. Jain said. He added that the Department is also looking at ensuring there are enough kits for diagnosis of dengue and chikungunya.
A release issue by the Department noted that a minimum of 10 community awareness trainings will be conducted in each Assembly. Nodal officers of hospitals and dispensaries will be trainers for these community awareness trainings.
Eleven district surveillance officers will coordinate and sensitise medical officer of dispensaries of their respective districts regarding prevention and control of vector-borne diseases, and further sensitise the community at the peripheral level.
“All Chief District Medical Officers will be communicated regarding regular district surveillance committee meetings under the chairmanship of the District Commissioners to review the status and preparedness of vector-borne diseases at the district level,” noted the release.
