Haryana launches anti-dengue campaign; Free platelet services available at all district hospitals
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, July 1, 2026: With the onset of the monsoon season, Haryana Health Minister Arti Singh Rao on Wednesday launched the "Let's Stop Dengue Together" campaign, urging citizens to actively participate in dengue prevention and observe July as 'Anti-Dengue Month'.
Calling for greater public awareness, the minister appealed to residents to ensure that water does not stagnate in and around their homes, as stagnant clean water serves as a breeding ground for the Aedes mosquito, the primary carrier of dengue.
Arti Singh Rao advised citizens to observe a '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 for at least 24 hours to eliminate mosquito eggs and larvae.
She also urged people to keep overhead water tanks covered, dispose of unused plastic containers, old tyres and coconut shells before the monsoon, fill potholes with soil, wear full-sleeved clothing and use mosquito repellents or insecticide-treated mosquito nets.
Highlighting the state's healthcare preparedness, the Health Minister said platelet transfusion services are being provided free of cost at every district civil hospital in Haryana. She added that 27 government dengue testing laboratories are operational across district civil hospitals, where dengue tests are conducted free of charge.
To ensure affordable testing in the private sector, Rao said all private laboratories have been directed to conduct ELISA-based NS-1 and IgM dengue tests at a maximum charge of ₹600. She advised residents to contact their respective Chief Medical Officer (CMO) or District Malaria Officer to avail government health services.
The minister also urged people to remain vigilant for dengue symptoms, including sudden high fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, and pain behind the eyes that worsens with eye movement. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should immediately visit the nearest government health facility for a free blood test.
She cautioned against self-medication and advised people to take medicines only under the guidance of a qualified doctor.
Emphasising that dengue prevention requires community participation, Arti Singh Rao said keeping Haryana free from the disease is a collective responsibility that demands active public cooperation.