Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain has said the government has taken all necessary preparations to combat dengue ahead of the season.
The minister made the remarks on Monday while chairing a meeting on dengue preparedness at the ministry’s conference room, attended by State Minister for Health MA Muhit, senior ministry officials, health directorate officials, and leaders of the Society of Medicine.
“We are getting one or two dengue patients here and there, and dengue occurs during this time, so we do not want to delay,” the minister said. “We are taking comprehensive preparations.”
He announced that dengue corners are being set up at upazila health centres, and a field hospital is ready on the Dhaka Medical College Hospital campus to treat affected patients. Additional field hospitals will be established in various parts of the country if necessary, he added.
The minister said the Society of Medicine will provide detailed training, including medical plans, with assistance from UNICEF and other organisations. Work will begin from Tuesday.
Doctors and nurses will be trained in seven divisions outside Dhaka and in districts across the country. Necessary supplies, including reagents, testing kits, and fluid saline, have been partially procured, and the government has decided to procure adequate quantities according to demand.
Responding to a question about steps to address the source of dengue, the health minister said authorities have been working with city corporations for two months. Another meeting with city corporation officials and other stakeholders is scheduled for Tuesday.
The meeting also discussed launching a dedicated app on dengue and emphasised the need for increased research on the disease.
