Health Minister reviews preparedness of govt hospitals to tackle dengue, malaria

New Delhi, July 8

Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj on Monday convened a high-level meeting at the Delhi Secretariat to strategise on prevention and control measures to tackle dengue and malaria during the monsoon season.

‘Negligence won’t be tolerated’

We will hold regular meetings to review the current status and ensure all hospitals strictly follow the rules. Any negligence will result in strict action against the hospital and officials concerned. — Saurabh Bharadwaj, Delhi Health Minister

Senior Health Department officials and heads of the Delhi Government hospitals were present at the meeting. This was the second such meeting within a week with the Health Minister.

During the meeting, Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj inquired about the preparations from the medical superintendents and medical directors (MD) of the hospitals. According to officials, medicines are being sprayed regularly to prevent mosquito breeding and there is adequate availability of medicines and necessary items for patients.

“We are ensuring regular inspections of hospitals and consistent spraying of medicines in areas prone to mosquito breeding,” said Minister Bharadwaj. He said the need for weekly hospital inspections is to maintain high standards of cleanliness and prevent mosquito proliferation.

Hospital officials informed the minister that separate treatment arrangements had been made for dengue patients, including reserved beds to ensure they received focused care and to prevent the spread of the disease to other patients.

“To prevent the spread of diseases like dengue and malaria, we have arranged mosquito nets around the beds of dengue patients,” said an official.

Bharadwaj instructed all hospitals to implement similar arrangements. “Separate rooms and beds for dengue and malaria patients are essential for effective treatment and containment,” he directed.

The minister agreed with suggestions to run public awareness campaigns to help people identify symptoms of dengue and malaria and understand prevention methods.

“Health awareness campaigns are crucial. We must inform the public about symptoms and preventive measures through hospitals, media and social media,” Bharadwaj stated.

He also instructed that educational campaigns be conducted in schools and public places in coordination with the Education Department.

“Children should wear full-sleeve clothes, and schools must ensure cleanliness and regular spraying of medicines,” the minister added.

The Health Minister also stressed the importance of immediate treatment for dengue and malaria patients. “Patients with symptoms should be examined promptly, and if tested positive, they must receive immediate treatment to save lives.”

“We will hold regular meetings to review the current status and ensure all hospitals strictly follow the rules,” he said.