Health Minister Balbir Singh launches cleanliness drive, campaign against dengue in Patiala

Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh today launched a state-wide campaign to prevent dengue, vector-borne diseases, snake and dog bites, alongside a special cleanliness drive across Patiala city and surrounding villages.

He convened an urgent review meeting at the Municipal Corporation office, which was attended by Mayor Kundan Gogia, Senior Deputy Mayor Harinder Kohli, Deputy Mayor Jagdeep Jagga, Municipal Commissioner Paramveer Singh, ADCs Simarpreet Kaur and Navreet Kaur Sekhon, SDMs, civil surgeon Dr Jagpalinder Singh, municipal councillors, and senior officials from various departments.

The Health Minister urged residents across Punjab to dial 104 in case of any health emergency such as high fever, heart attack, acute diarrhoea, or snake and dog bites to avail timely medical services. Stressing the importance of post-flood measures, he said, “Our main focus now is on rescue, relief, medical aid, rations, and rehabilitation of affected people.”

Reviewing health data from Patiala, he noted that 88 dengue positive cases have been reported so far this year, compared to only nine during the same period last year. Expressing concern, he directed all departments, including Local Bodies, Rural Development, Education, and Water Supply & Sanitation, to coordinate closely with the Health Department in controlling dengue, malaria, chikungunya, diarrhoea, cholera, hepatitis and other communicable diseases.

He instructed officials to conduct door-to-door visits, fumigation and strict monitoring of mosquito breeding grounds. He directed intensified checks in dengue hotspot areas such as Lahori Gate, Bajwa Colony, Gobind Bagh, Safabadi Gate, Harpalpur (Rajpura) and Kartarpur (Patran). He also called for the involvement of nursing students and medical interns in the anti-dengue campaign.

Referring to recent diarrhoea outbreaks in Patiala, Dr Singh emphasised the need for immediate water testing and safe supply. He also expressed concern over three recent snake-bite deaths, despite anti-snake venom serum being available in government hospitals. He appealed to the public to reach hospitals without delay in cases of snake or dog bites.

Highlighting the resilience of Punjabis during recent floods, Dr Singh said, “Our Gurus gave us the spirit of Chardikala. The Punjab Government, with the support of its people, will overcome this difficult time. Our immediate priority is to protect people from diseases while continuing rescue and relief efforts.”

Announcing that he will personally visit all 23 districts of Punjab, the Health Minister said that the campaign begins today from Patiala. He added that ward and village health committees will be reactivated to strengthen the state’s fight against communicable diseases.