Punjab health minister inspects cabinet colleagues' residences to combat dengue

Chandigarh, Jul 11 (PTI) In a surprise move, Punjab's Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh on Friday inspected the residences of his cabinet colleagues and the leader of the opposition as a part of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's initiative 'Har Shukarvar Dengue Te Var'.
     "The drive revealed a concerning presence of mosquito larvae in desert coolers, flower pots and water-containers for birds etc, highlighting the need for immediate preventive measures," an official statement said here.
     "Dengue can become deadly if it turns hemorrhagic, leading to severe complications. However, collective efforts can halt its spread," Balbir Singh said while emphasising the importance of eliminating breeding spots and urged caretakers, ministers, Leader of the Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa and the public to work together to make Punjab dengue-free.
     The health minister directed officials -- from Accredited Social Health Activist workers to senior officers -- to intensify awareness drives and mobilise communities.
     He emphasised that health committees in every village and mohalla must conduct home inspections every Friday from 9-10 am to ensure that no mosquito larvae survive.
     Singh, while urging mass participation for a better impact to defeat dengue, also advised everyone to cover water containers, clean the desert coolers weekly and not allow the accumulation of any stagnant water around their houses.

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)