Haryana Health Minister Arti Singh Rao has announced that platelet transfusion services are now available completely free of cost at every district civil hospital in the state. The announcement comes as part of the state's intensified preparedness against dengue with the onset of the monsoon season.
Anti-Dengue Month Campaign
Launching the campaign slogan, “Let’s Stop Dengue Together,” Rao urged citizens to observe July as ‘Anti-Dengue Month’ and take proactive measures to prevent mosquito breeding. She emphasized that dengue is transmitted through the bite of the Aedes mosquito, which primarily bites during the daytime and breeds in clean, stagnant water.
Rao advised residents to observe ‘Dry Day’ every Sunday at home and every Friday in offices by emptying and drying water containers, coolers, overhead tanks, refrigerator trays, flower pots, and trays beneath them for at least 24 hours to destroy mosquito eggs and larvae.
Preventive Measures Advised
The minister urged people to keep overhead water tanks covered, dispose of unused plastic items, old tyres, and coconut shells before the monsoon, fill potholes around houses with soil, wear full-sleeved clothing, and use mosquito repellents or insecticide-treated mosquito nets. She stressed that collective responsibility and active public participation are essential to keeping Haryana free from dengue.
Free Testing and Regulated Private Labs
Highlighting the state’s healthcare facilities, Rao said that 27 government dengue testing laboratories are operational across district civil hospitals, where dengue tests are conducted free of charge. To regulate private healthcare providers, all private laboratories have been directed to conduct ELISA-based NS-1 and IgM dengue tests at a maximum charge of Rs 600. Citizens can avail these government facilities by contacting their respective Chief Medical Officer (CMO) or District Malaria Officer.
Symptoms and Advisory
The minister urged people to remain alert to dengue symptoms, including sudden high fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, and pain behind the eyes that worsens with eye movement. She advised anyone experiencing such symptoms to immediately visit the nearest health facility for a free blood test. Rao cautioned people against self-medication and stressed that medicines should be taken only on the advice of a qualified doctor.
