‘Dry Friday Every Week’ to Become a People’s Movement Against Dengue: DC Sachin Gupta

Rohtak, July 15, 2026: Calling upon every citizen to actively participate in the fight against dengue, Deputy Commissioner Sachin Gupta today appealed for observance of ‘Dry Friday Every Week’ across the district to eliminate mosquito breeding and prevent the spread of vector-borne diseases. He said that while the Health Department is carrying out intensive anti-larval operations and surveillance, lasting success can only be achieved through active community participation.

Chairing the Monthly Review Meeting of the Health Department at the District Secretariat, the Deputy Commissioner undertook a comprehensive review of maternal and child healthcare, immunisation, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), tuberculosis elimination, Ayushman Bharat, emergency ambulance services, mental health, de-addiction services, dengue preparedness and ongoing health infrastructure projects. He directed all officers to strengthen accountability, increase field visits and ensure that quality healthcare reaches every citizen in a timely manner.

“Healthcare is not merely about treating diseases; it is about preventing them. Every officer must focus on quality, accountability and timely service delivery. At the same time, every citizen must contribute by ensuring that no stagnant water is allowed to collect in homes, workplaces or public spaces. Let ‘Dry Friday Every Week’ become a people’s movement against dengue,” the Deputy Commissioner said.

The Deputy Commissioner reviewed key maternal and child health indicators and appreciated the consistent improvement achieved by the district.

Officials informed the meeting that 94% of pregnant women are being registered during the first trimester, ensuring timely antenatal care and early identification of high-risk pregnancies. Every pregnant woman is undergoing haemoglobin testing, while the district has achieved 100% institutional deliveries, reflecting improved access to safe and quality maternal healthcare.

The meeting further reviewed newborn health indicators, with 89% of newborns being breastfed within the first hour of birth, a critical intervention for improving neonatal survival. Officials also informed that neonatal, infant and under-five mortality indicators in the district continue to remain significantly better than the State averages.

The Deputy Commissioner directed all health institutions to ensure timely identification and continuous monitoring of high-risk pregnancies, completion of four antenatal check-ups, and effective management of anaemia and quality maternal care throughout pregnancy.

Reviewing the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases, the Deputy Commissioner was informed that more than 4.86 lakh citizens aged 30 years and above have already been enrolled on the NCD Portal, exceeding the district’s enrolment target.

Large-scale screening for hypertension, diabetes and common cancers is being conducted across the district. Oral cancer screening has already covered nearly 79% of the target population, while breast cancer screening has surpassed the annual target. Functional NCD Clinics, Diet Clinics and a Day Care Cancer Centre have further strengthened early diagnosis, counselling and treatment services.

The Deputy Commissioner directed officials to intensify community-based screening in both rural and urban areas so that lifestyle diseases are detected early and treatment begins before complications develop.

With the onset of the monsoon season, the Deputy Commissioner reviewed the district’s preparedness for dengue, malaria and chikungunya.

He directed all government departments, Urban Local Bodies, Panchayati Raj Institutions, educational institutions and resident welfare associations to strictly observe ‘Dry Friday Every Week’ by emptying and cleaning water storage containers, coolers, flower pots and all places where stagnant water can accumulate.

The Health Department informed the meeting that surveillance teams are continuously monitoring high-risk areas, anti-larval operations have been intensified and awareness campaigns are being conducted across the district. The Deputy Commissioner stressed that prevention remains the most effective strategy against vector-borne diseases and called upon citizens to actively participate in maintaining a mosquito-free environment.

The meeting reviewed emergency medical services under the 112 Ambulance Network. Officials informed that 21 ambulances are operational across the district, supported by trained paramedics and GPS-enabled monitoring. The average emergency response time has been reduced to nearly 11 minutes, ensuring faster response during medical emergencies, trauma cases and maternal referrals.

The Deputy Commissioner also reviewed the functioning of Mobile Medical Diagnostic Vans, which are providing laboratory investigations, ECG, X-ray, OPD consultations and NCD screening in rural areas, bringing healthcare services closer to people’s doorsteps.

The Deputy Commissioner directed officials to further strengthen active case finding under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme and ensure uninterrupted treatment and nutritional support for TB patients.

He also reviewed the progress of the District Mental Health Programme and De-addiction Programme, under which specialised counselling, community outreach and awareness activities are being conducted regularly to improve mental well-being and address substance abuse.

Implementation of Ayushman Bharat, Universal Immunisation Programme, Family Welfare Programme and other flagship health initiatives was also reviewed, with directions to ensure that every eligible beneficiary receives quality healthcare without delay.

The Deputy Commissioner reviewed the progress of ongoing health infrastructure projects, including the construction of new Sub-Health Centres, Block Public Health Units, residential quarters for healthcare personnel and the new OPD Block at Sub-Divisional Hospital, Kalanaur.

He also reviewed the ongoing modernisation and beautification of District Civil Hospital, Rohtak, where patient amenities, token management systems, CCTV surveillance and infrastructure improvements are being upgraded. He directed the executing agencies to ensure timely completion of all projects while maintaining prescribed quality standards.

Emphasising that effective governance is measured by outcomes rather than targets, DC Sachin Gupta directed all health officers to undertake regular field visits, closely monitor programme implementation and address gaps at the grassroots level.

He said that Rohtak is steadily strengthening its healthcare ecosystem through preventive healthcare, technology-driven monitoring, improved infrastructure and citizen participation. He expressed confidence that with sustained efforts and collective responsibility, the district would continue to set new benchmarks in public health and ensure quality healthcare for every citizen.

The meeting was attended by the Civil Surgeon, senior officers of the National Health Mission, programme officers and other officials of the Health Department.