Shri J P Nadda, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, held a high level meeting to review the preparedness of the Ministry and Central Government Hospitals for prevention and control of dengue and chikungunya in the country, here today. During the meeting, Shri Nadda asked the States for mounting aggressive IEC campaigns to enhance awareness on prevention and control of vectors in their surrounding areas and neighbourhoods. 

Shri C K Mishra, Secretary (Health) and other senior officers of the Union Health Ministry, National Vector-Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP), National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) were also present in the meeting along with Directors/ MS from the Central Government hospitals. 

Taking stock of the situation, Shri Nadda was briefed on the preparations of the Health Ministry and was informed that advisories have already been sent to all States as early as January for strengthening their preparedness before the dengue season. The officials further informed him that teams of experts from the Ministry have visited many States to review their preparedness and advised them suitably. The Central Government hospitals informed that they were adequately equipped to combat dengue and chikungunya during this season. 

The Health Minister also directed the officers to conduct regular supervisory visits to various hospitals in Delhi for assessing the situation, preparedness and to provide on the spot technical guidance to the health authorities. The Minister also asked Secretary (Health) to review the preparedness of the States through a video conference. 
 

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MV/SK 

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