Health Minister Leads Surprise Dengue Inspection in Ludhiana, Reinforces Statewide Campaign
Ludhiana, May 30 — In a proactive move to combat the spread of dengue, Punjab Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh conducted an unannounced inspection today of homes in Street Number 1, New Kailash Nagar, Ludhiana. The visit was part of the ongoing ‘Har Shukarwar Dengue te Vaar’ campaign aimed at curbing mosquito-borne diseases.
Accompanied by Civil Surgeon Dr. Ramandeep Kaur and health department teams, Dr. Singh inspected households and identified dengue larvae breeding in water containers, flowerpots, coolers, fridge trays, and overhead tanks. He emphasized the need for residents to regularly clean and dry these items, as they serve as prime breeding grounds for Aedes aegypti, the mosquito responsible for spreading dengue.
“Preventing mosquito breeding is the first line of defence against dengue,” said Dr. Singh. “We urge everyone to wear full-sleeve clothing during the day, when these mosquitoes are most active.”
Dr. Singh highlighted the scale of the campaign, stating that over 20,000 Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) are inspecting homes across Punjab every Friday. Their role includes identifying potential breeding grounds, destroying larvae, and educating families on preventive hygiene practices. He added that the campaign aims to reduce dengue cases by 90% this year, building on a 50% reduction achieved last year.
Mobilizing Students and Village Committees
To broaden outreach, schoolteachers across the state are being trained to educate students about dengue prevention. This effort seeks to engage over 20 lakh schoolchildren as health ambassadors. Additionally, each village in Punjab has formed a 15-member health committee tasked with learning how to identify and eliminate mosquito breeding sites, ensuring a strong grassroots response to the threat.
Visit to Covid-Affected Family and Pandemic Update
Later in the day, Dr. Singh visited a family that had recently lost a loved one to Covid-19. He offered condolences, encouraged adherence to isolation protocols, and assured the family of the government’s continued support.
Providing an update on the Covid-19 situation in Punjab, the Minister reported that only three cases have been recorded so far, and reiterated that the situation remains fully under control. “There is no cause for concern,” he said. “Our healthcare infrastructure is ready, with sufficient oxygen supply, medicines, hospital beds, and all essential resources.”
He advised people with underlying health conditions—such as kidney disease, cancer, respiratory illness, or high blood pressure—to wear masks in public spaces as a precautionary measure.
Call for Public Participation
Dr. Singh concluded his visit by appealing to the public to join hands in the state’s collective fight against dengue and Covid-19. “Together, through awareness and responsible action, we can safeguard the health of our communities,” he said.
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