By: IPP Bureau
Last updated : June 19, 2026 10:47 am
Union Health Minister calls for heightened vigilance, stronger public awareness campaigns, and district-specific action plans for the high-transmission season
Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Jagat Prakash Nadda chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the country's preparedness for dengue and malaria ahead of the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons, stressing the need for early action, robust surveillance, and coordinated efforts to mitigate the burden of mosquito-borne diseases.
Emphasizing the importance of proactive public health measures, Nadda called for maintaining a high level of vigilance across the country and highlighted the need for seamless coordination among the Centre, States and Union Territories, local administrations, and healthcare institutions.
The Union Health Minister noted that the Ministry has already advised States and UTs to strengthen surveillance systems for the early detection of cases and outbreaks. He underscored the importance of prompt reporting, active monitoring, and rapid response mechanisms to contain the spread of infections and prevent outbreaks.
Nadda also directed hospitals and healthcare facilities nationwide to remain fully prepared for any surge in cases. He instructed officials to ensure adequate availability of medicines, diagnostic facilities, blood components, hospital beds, and trained healthcare personnel.
During the review, Nadda also assessed the availability of diagnostic kits, medicines, laboratory infrastructure, trained manpower, and financial resources across States and UTs.
He directed officials to develop district-specific strategies and micro-plans, particularly for endemic and high-risk regions, emphasizing that effective surveillance, early diagnosis, and prompt treatment are essential to reducing disease burden.
The meeting was attended by Punya Salila Srivastava, Union Health Secretary; Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Secretary, Department of Health Research and Director General, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR); Aradhana Patnaik, Additional Secretary and Mission Director, National Health Mission (NHM); Dr. Loveneesh G. Krishna, Director General of Health Services (DGHS); and senior officials from the National Centre for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC).