Need concerted efforts to check spread of dengue in Mumbai: Suresh Shetty

Maharashtra Health Minister Suresh Shetty on Tuesday said concerted efforts on part of local bodies and district administration were needed to check the spread of dengue.

Municipal corporations, Zilla Parishads and district administrations should work closely with the health department to put a check on the vector-borne disease, he said at a review meeting on the backdrop of increasing number of dengue cases in Mumbai and parts of Maharashtra.

"Municipal Corporations should undertake cleanliness drives to prevent breeding of mosquitoes responsible for dengue. Also, awareness programmes on cleanliness need to be implemented," he said.

The minister also took stock of medicines available in the government hospitals at the meeting, a statement said.

Additional Chief Secretary (Health) TC Benjamin informed Shetty that large-scale awareness programmes are being implemented to prevent the spread of the disease.

NRHM's project director Vikas Kharge, Health director Dr Archana Patil and other senior government officials were present in the meeting, the statement said.