New Delhi, July 1 (FN Bureau) Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Friday reviewed the state’s preparedness for the prevention and control of vector-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue, chikungunya, Kala-azar and Japanese Encephalitis. Chief Minister of Sikkim, Health Ministers, Pr. Secretaries (Health), MD NHM and senior officers from the states virtually joined the review meeting.Underscoring the importance of advance preparedness and joint efforts, the Union Health Minister said “We effectively reduce the disease burden with proactive preparation anticipating the health requirements and making adequate provisions for them ahead of time.”
Mandaviya exhorted states to make optimum utilisation of the budget for investing in state health infrastructure and called for implementing preventive measures to decrease the disease burden. “States to share best practices and innovative public health measures taken by them to prevent and control vector breeding, along with community mobilisation and awareness creation,” he said. He also urged community participation by enhancing and emphasizing on behavioral campaigns and information education communication to villages, schools and neighborhoods. During the meeting, the States were advised to involve Ayushman Bharat- Health & Wellness Centres for notification of cases and case management. They were also assured of timely availability and effective distribution of drugs and diagnostics as well as any other required resources specified by the states.