Rains in Bengaluru.
Credit: DH Photo
Bengaluru: Ahead of the monsoon, the state health department held a meeting to discuss preparedness measures for a host of health concerns.
In a video conference with district officials, including CEOs of zilla panchayats, the district health officers, Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao examined data pertaining to dengue and chikungunya cases in the state since 2020.
Till April 4, 2025, the state reported 956 dengue and 245 chikungunya cases.
Compared to this, a total of 2,205 dengue cases and as many as 483 chikungunya cases were reported during the same period (January 1 to April 4) last year.
Gundu Rao instructed the officials to take precautions to prevent dengue and chikungunya cases.
The minister asked district administrations to work with the state health department to prevent an uptick in cases. He also noted that since the incidence of chikungunya increases every 16 years, this year requires special focus as it is the 16th year.
Some of the preparedness measures discussed include ensuring testing kits, larvicide, supply of fogging chemicals, setting up of fever clinics, distributing mosquito repellants, and following national guidelines on dengue fever management.
Solid waste disposal
Rao also urged district administrations to ensure solid waste is collected and disposed of in a timely manner. Availability and shortage of drugs had to be monitored actively, the minister said.
The meeting also explored measures to bring down maternal deaths in the
state.
It discussed the National Rabies Control Programme, the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenomation, the right to die with dignity, the tuberculosis burden in the state, and the adult BCG vaccination drive.