Dengue situation under control in Punjab: Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh

Ludhiana, November 7, 2025: Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh on Friday stated that the dengue situation across the state is firmly under control despite heavy monsoon rains this season.

Following a thorough review of the dengue scenario and overall health services in Ludhiana, the Minister emphasized that coordinated anti-dengue efforts between the Health Department and district administrations have proven effective. He assured that cases will decrease further in the coming days, with strict instructions issued to intensify fogging and larval surveillance in all affected areas. He also noted that falling night temperatures will naturally help curb mosquito activity.
Dr. Singh revealed that he personally monitors every dengue case. Teams from state headquarters are directly contacting patients to confirm that fogging and larval checks have been conducted in their homes and neighborhoods. A robust ground force of 20,000 ASHA workers and 36,000 nursing students has been deployed for door-to-door larval inspections. These teams are not only detecting breeding sites but also educating residents on preventive measures, including the elimination of stagnant water and maintaining cleanliness in and around homes.
The Minister highlighted the ongoing 'Har Shukarwar Dengue Te Vaar’ campaign, urging citizens to clean and dry all water-holding containers—such as flower pots, refrigerator trays, coolers, and tires—every Friday to prevent mosquito breeding. He described these as critical breeding grounds for the Aedes mosquito and stressed that regular cleaning is essential to halt dengue transmission. Residents were also advised to wear full-sleeved clothing as an added protective measure against mosquito bites.
On the healthcare front, Dr. Singh announced that 1,000 doctors and staff are being recruited at a record pace, retired specialists are being empanelled to fill critical gaps, and the remaining 20 percent staff shortage will be addressed soon.

Additionally, the state is empowering over 20 lakh school students with vital life skills, including identifying and destroying dengue breeding sites, providing first aid to accident victims, managing nosebleeds and snake bites, and promoting healthier lifestyles to prevent chronic diseases.

Dr. Balbir Singh reiterated that continued community participation, combined with proactive government action is a key to completely eliminating dengue from Punjab.