MOHALI, June 14 — Punjab is fully geared to confront the triple threat of dengue, COVID-19, and the intensifying heatwave, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh said Friday, as he led a public outreach drive in Balongi village near Mohali.
Under the statewide initiative ‘Har Shukkarvaar, Dengue Te Vaar’ (Every Friday, Strike at Dengue), the minister demonstrated how common household items — from air coolers to flowerpots — can become breeding sites for dengue mosquitoes if not regularly cleaned.
“Dengue, malaria, and chikungunya are entirely preventable diseases,” Dr Singh said while interacting with residents. “By draining stagnant water just once a week — ideally every Friday — we can break the mosquito breeding cycle. It takes only seven days for a dengue mosquito to mature from larva to adult. This simple step can save lives.”
Recognising grassroots health efforts, the minister awarded ASHA workers Sompreet Kaur and Saroj ₹500 each for identifying mosquito larvae in a water cooler tank. He informed that over 50,000 field teams — including nursing students, multipurpose health workers, breeder checkers and teachers — are mobilised each Friday to carry out door-to-door inspections and spread awareness.
Last year’s campaign led to a 50% drop in dengue cases, he noted. “This year, we’re targeting an 80% reduction. With the support of our citizens, this goal is within reach,” he told reporters.
Dr Singh also addressed concerns over the ongoing heatwave. He urged the public to avoid going outdoors during peak heat hours — between 12 noon and 3 p.m. — and recommended preventive measures such as wearing light-coloured clothes, using damp cloths to cover the head, and staying hydrated with lemon or salt water.
Turning to COVID-19, the minister reassured that Punjab remains stable despite a spike in cases in neighbouring Delhi and Haryana. “We’ve recorded only 31 mild, asymptomatic cases so far,” he said, adding that the two reported deaths involved individuals with existing co-morbidities and cannot be definitively attributed to the virus.
He also advised avoiding indoor gatherings and preferring well-ventilated spaces. “Punjab’s healthcare system is prepared with adequate oxygen supplies, emergency beds and essential medications. There is no need for panic,” he said.
