India registered over 3000 cases of dengue and nearly 2000 cases of chikungunya every month in the first half of this year. Kerala had the maximum 9,104 dengue cases and Karnataka the highest 4047 chikungunya cases.
Overall, 18,760 dengue and 10, 952 chikungunya cases were reported till July 2.
Concerned at the spurt in vector-borne diseases, Union Health Minister J P Nadda on Tuesday held a review meet on preparedness for the diseases here, which was attended by Health Secretary C K Mishra, Director General of ICMR Soumya Swaminathan and senior officials of the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) and other institutions.
“We held two reviews, one for Delhi and the other for the rest of the states and UTs. In the meeting, we discussed all issues and it was also decided that a secretary-level meet would be held with the Delhi government,” Nadda said in a statement here.
The meeting will look at preparedness and review steps taken to combat such diseases in the city. Besides, secretaries from both sides and representatives from the municipal corporations would also be present, he said.
Referring to the rising cases of malaria and chikungunya in Delhi, the Minister said the Centre was “adequately prepared” and more diagnostic kits would be supplied. Central hospitals were equipped to handle any situation, Nadda said.