Drive launched against vector-borne diseases

Punjab Health Minister Balbir Singh on Friday launched a statewide campaign to deal with vector-borne diseases, snake and dog bite cases.

A special cleanliness drive was also flagged off across Patiala city and nearby villages. “The real challenge starts now, once the water recedes,” the minister said commenting on the flood situation in the state.

He advised residents to remain cautious against snake and dog bites, urging them to carry torches and sticks at night. The minister noted a sharp rise in snakebite cases in flood-hit areas. Patiala alone has reported 226 such cases since January, including 58 since August 1, with three deaths in Patiala district alone.

Despite the availability of anti-snake venom in government hospitals, he expressed concern over delayed reporting by patients and appealed to the public to seek immediate medical help. He directed 12,977 village health, sanitation and nutrition committees (VHSNCs), having over 1 lakh members in total, to work in close coordination with the government.

He stressed door-to-door visits, sample collection and community awareness as key to controlling outbreaks.

ASHA workers, trained under the ongoing “Har Shukarvar Dengue Te Vaar” campaign, will help identify mosquito breeding sites.

The Health Department will also distribute gambusia fish for village ponds as a biological measure to control mosquito populations. He said all Aam Aadmi Clinics in flood-affected areas would resume operations soon, offering free testing and treatment. .