Four-Day Mega Campaign Launched in Dehradun to Combat Dengue Outbreak.

In a coordinated effort to combat the dengue outbreak , a four-day mega campaign has been initiated in Dehradun, with a special focus on high-risk areas. Multiple government departments are collaborating to raise awareness and prevent the spread of dengue, with medical officers and Asha workers entrusted with the vital task of conducting door-to-door public awareness campaigns.

This extensive campaign to prevent dengue will span four days in Dehradun, commencing in the dengue hot spot areas starting on Tuesday. Joint teams, comprising personnel from the Health Department, Municipal Corporation, and District Administration, will visit households in areas affected by dengue, taking necessary actions to eliminate mosquito larvae. In regions with ten or more confirmed dengue cases, containment zones will be established, and designated nodal officers will oversee these containment efforts.

Health Secretary, Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar, presided over a review meeting on dengue prevention at the Secretariat on Monday. During the meeting, he actively sought feedback on dengue control strategies from District Magistrate Sonika and discussed the identified dengue hot spot areas. The collective decision was made to launch a comprehensive four-day campaign involving all relevant departments to prevent the spread of dengue in Dehradun. Medical officers and Asha workers in the district have been entrusted with the crucial task of conducting door-to-door public awareness campaigns.

Additionally, Asha workers will be provided with larvicidal medicine to effectively eliminate mosquito larvae, in addition to offering paracetamol. Present at the meeting were Director General of Health Dr. Vineeta Shah, Director of Medical Education Ashutosh Sayana, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Sanjay Jain, Director of the State Transmission Council Dr. Ajay Nagarkar, and Program Officer NHM Dr. Pankaj Singh.

Acknowledging the shared responsibility for dengue control, the Health Secretary issued directives for all departments to collaborate closely in their efforts to combat the dengue epidemic. Various departments, including Health, Municipal Corporation, Education, Public Works, Drinking Water, and others, have been urged to work together. Institutions and individuals found disregarding warnings and allowing stagnant water to create favorable conditions for dengue mosquito breeding will be subject to fines.

The Health Secretary has appealed to voluntary organizations, social groups, and residential committees throughout the district to actively participate in the campaign to eradicate dengue. These committees are encouraged to conduct cleanliness drives in their respective areas, raise awareness among residents, and assist in eliminating mosquito breeding sites.

Stringent action will be taken against both private and government hospitals found overcharging dengue patients for tests and platelet transfusions. Under the Clinical Establishment Act, fines ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 2 lakh will be imposed to deter such exploitative practices.