Mohali: A 10-member team from the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, visited SAS Nagar district to review the arrangements and ongoing activities for the prevention and control of dengue and malaria in district. The team inspected field operations, malaria laboratories and Government Health Facilities to assess the measures being undertaken to combat vector-borne diseases.
The team was warmly received by Civil Surgeon Dr. Sangeeta Jain and Dr. Navdeep Saini, Principal, AIMS Mohali, who assured the visiting officials of full cooperation in strengthening disease surveillance and prevention activities.
The visit commenced in Balongi village, where the team accompanied health department field staff to inspect residential areas, vacant plots and other potential mosquito breeding sites. The officials reviewed larval surveillance activities, source reduction measures and community awareness campaigns being carried out to prevent dengue transmission.
The team later visited the District Malaria Laboratory at District Hospital, Mohali, where they closely examined the procedures for dengue and malaria testing, sample processing, laboratory record maintenance and the availability of diagnostic facilities. They also interacted with laboratory personnel to understand the functioning of the surveillance system.
Subsequently, the team visited the Sub-Divisional Hospital, Dera Bassi, and the Government Hospital, Dhakoli, where they reviewed patient management, laboratory services, reporting mechanisms, availability of medicines and overall preparedness for dengue and malaria control.
During the visit, the Central team expressed satisfaction with the advance preparedness and preventive measures undertaken by the District Health Department. At the same time, they stressed the need to further strengthen larval surveillance, door-to-door awareness campaigns, timely diagnosis, prompt treatment of patients and inter-departmental coordination to ensure effective control of vector-borne diseases. The District Health Department assured the team that all preventive activities would continue with greater focus to further improve performance.
The Central team included Dr. Gavendra Singh, Dr. Nidhi, Dr. Urvashi, Dr. Amarjeet Kaur, and Dr. Anamika Soni, District Epidemiologist, SAS Nagar (Mohali), among other officials.