New Delhi: With malaria and chikungunya cases continuing to rise in the national capital, the Union health ministry on Tuesday said it would soon hold a secretary-level meet with the Delhi government on ways to combat vector-borne diseases in the city.
At least 125 cases of malaria, 152 cases of chikungunya and nearly 100 cases dengue were recorded till July 1, according to the latest municipal report.
Intensifying its efforts in the direction of prevention and control of dengue and malaria under its jurisdiction, the South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) issued challans to government schools and institutions, hospitals, public schools and Metro stations after mosquito breeding sites were found on their premises. The SDMC claimed that this year its domestic breeding checkers (DBCs) found breeding in 23,657 houses, 25,184 legal notices were issued whereas 1,617 prosecutions were launched.
The Union health minister held a review meet on preparedness for vector-borne diseases, which was attended by health secretary C.K. Mishra, director general of ICMR Soumya Swaminathan, director general of health services Jagdish Prasad and senior officials of the National Vector-Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP). Representatives of the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and heads of Centre-run hospitals were also present.
“We held two reviews, one for Delhi and the other for rest of the states and UTs. And, I can say that we are satisfied with our preparedness. We have already held three video-conferences on this matter and issued 13 advisories. The secretary (health) will soon hold video conferences with other states,” Mr Nadda said.
