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"Wherever the art of Medicine is loved, there is also a love of Humanity."
— Hippocrates
Punjab Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh recently announced a comprehensive framework for dengue control in Punjab. This initiative emphasizes the 'Har Shukarvaar Dengue Te Vaar' campaign to eliminate mosquito breeding sites. Furthermore, the state aims to integrate human, animal, and environmental health strategies. Consequently, this One Health approach addresses multiple vector-borne and zoonotic threats simultaneously.
The minister directed officials to transform the anti-dengue campaign into a mass movement. Specifically, students and teachers will now play a vital role in identifying stagnant water in coolers and flower pots. Moreover, the state has observed a significant shift in disease patterns. Although dengue was once an urban issue, nearly 42% of cases in 2025 occurred in rural areas. Therefore, health departments are prioritizing fogging and larvicidal spraying in village ponds. They are also releasing gambusia fish to manage mosquito populations naturally.
Punjab has significantly bolstered its diagnostic capacity to ensure timely treatment. Free ELISA testing for dengue and chikungunya is now available at 47 Sentinel Surveillance Hospitals. Additionally, all Aam Aadmi Clinics offer malaria RDT and dengue testing services. The department’s proactive house-to-house surveillance successfully reduced confirmed cases from over 23,000 in 2021 to under 5,000 in 2025. Furthermore, health officials now use the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) for real-time reporting. This system allows for immediate remedial action when outbreaks occur.
Q1: What is the \"One Health\" approach mentioned by the Punjab Health Minister?
The One Health approach integrates human, animal, and environmental health strategies to tackle diseases like rabies, leptospirosis, and dengue collectively.
Q2: Where can residents of Punjab access free dengue testing?
Residents can access free ELISA testing at 47 Sentinel Surveillance Hospitals and basic testing at all Aam Aadmi Clinics across the state.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice or replace professional judgment. Refer to the latest local and national guidelines for clinical practice.
References
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Punjab Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh strengthens disease surveillance and dengue control in Punjab using a 'One Health' approach and free ELISA testing....
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