The Uttarakhand government has initiated a comprehensive action plan to combat the spread of mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue and chikungunya. With rising temperatures and the onset of the monsoon season, health risks have increased across the state. In response, a coordinated multi-departmental campaign has been launched under the guidance of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Health Minister Dr. Dhan Singh Rawat.
Health Secretary Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar informed that detailed guidelines have been issued to all districts, and all related departments have been placed on alert. He emphasized that public participation is crucial in this fight, stating, “Every citizen’s involvement is necessary to combat dengue and chikungunya.”
The campaign focuses on cleanliness drives, larval source reduction, public awareness, and strong inter-departmental coordination. Municipal bodies have been directed to clean drains, eliminate stagnant water, and manage waste effectively. ASHA workers will be trained and deployed for door-to-door awareness, while fogging operations will be conducted where needed.
Special attention is being given to health infrastructure. All government and private hospitals have been instructed to follow national treatment protocols. Dedicated dengue isolation wards will be set up with mosquito nets, adequate beds, trained staff, and essential medical supplies. Platelets, ELISA kits, and medicines will be ensured for critical patients. Fever surveys will be conducted to identify suspected cases, and space/focal spraying will be carried out within a 50-meter radius of confirmed cases. Rapid Response Teams have been activated in every district.
Public outreach is a key component of the campaign. IEC materials such as posters, banners, handbills, street plays, and school workshops will be widely used. CME meetings will be held with the Indian Medical Association, private hospitals, and pathology labs to ensure accurate information reaches the public. Media spokespersons will be appointed in all districts.
The state’s 104 helpline is fully operational for public queries, and control rooms are being established in every district during the outbreak period. Daily case reporting by 4 PM has been made mandatory, even if no new cases are detected.
This year’s action plan goes beyond the health department, assigning clear roles to departments like Urban Development, Panchayati Raj, Education, Water Supply, and Information and Public Relations. The multi-layered strategy aims to deliver both immediate relief and long-term prevention.
Health Secretary Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar appealed to the public to stay vigilant and actively participate, saying, “Personal caution, community cooperation, and government efforts must go hand in hand to defeat mosquito-borne diseases.”
