JAMMU: In order to stop the spread of dengue fever in Jammu division, the Health Department and municipal organisations are taking preventive measures, as reviewed by Chief Secretary Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta today. Principal Secretary, H&UDD, Secretary, Health and Medical Education, Commissioner, JMC, Deputy Commissioner, Director of Health, Principal, GMC, Jammu, and other important personnel were present at the meeting. He was informed by Bhupinder Kumar, Secretary, H&ME, about the present state of dengue cases in the division. According to the Secretary, as of this time, 1295 people have tested positive for dengue, with 1 confirmed death and 428 patients receiving treatment at various medical facilities.The public was also made aware that, even though the situation is not alarming right now, the health department is fully prepared and keeping a strict eye out for any hotspots, with more than 11140 samples having been tested so far for diseases spread by mosquitoes. Additionally, the Helpline 108 (toll-free), which is operational, was informed that it was offering medical advice to any callers. The Chief Secretary assessed how prepared each department was to handle dengue cases, including district administration, and ordered the adoption of a three-pronged strategy that included IEC Campaigns to raise awareness of preventive measures, IEC Campaigns to raise awareness of symptoms and make access to medical care simple, and IEC Campaigns to contain the disease by taking steps like fumigation to stop the spread of dengue.Dr. Mehta ordered the interlinking of several hotline numbers so that individuals can be led to the appropriate helpline from any helpline number they contact in order to ensure that patients and citizens receive medical assistance quickly and without fuss. The Chief Secretary then went through the status of the ongoing projects in Jammu’s Smart City Project. On the eve of the forthcoming Gandhi Jayanti, the CEO of Jammu Smart City updated him on the progress of key projects and significant initiatives. Dr. Mehta gave instructions for the swift implementation of the numerous projects so that Jammu’s residents may see a significant improvement in the city’s aesthetic and practical experience. On the eve of the upcoming Gandhi Jayanti, the Chief Secretary emphasised that the CEO, Smart Cities (Jammu and Srinagar), and Deputy Commissioners need to take initiatives aimed at improving the ease of living index of the general public within their respective districts so that residents take pride in their city and associate with the administration’s initiatives aimed at improving their lives. In accordance with this, Dr. Mehta instructed the Housing and Urban Development Department to hold two competitions, the first between the Smart Cities/Districts of Jammu and Srinagar and the second between the remaining 18 districts, to determine which city or district is the best based on criteria that include overall sanitation, cleanliness, aesthetics, and citizen-friendly measures implemented in the districts/city.
