DSCC health allocation rises three and a half times to Tk 121.66 crore to combat dengue

Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) has increased its health sector allocation nearly three and a half times in the current 2026-27 fiscal year to control dengue and protect the health of city residents. This year, Tk 121.66 crore has been allocated for the sector. DSCC Administrator Bir Muktijoddha Abdus Salam said the funds will be spent on mosquito control, dengue prevention, public awareness and strengthening healthcare activities.

The DSCC Administrator said the allocation for the health sector in the 2025-26 fiscal year was Tk 55.31 crore, which was later reduced to Tk 35.79 crore in the revised budget. In comparison, the allocation has been significantly increased in the current fiscal year.

A large portion of the new allocation will be spent on mosquito control and dengue prevention. Alongside regular mosquito control activities in DSCC's 75 wards, field-level monitoring has been strengthened. Larviciding is being carried out in every ward in the morning and adulticiding in the afternoon. To ensure the quality and regularity of activities, oversight teams comprising officials from various departments have been formed in each ward. These teams are monitoring field-level activities and providing necessary guidance. Additionally, initiatives have been taken to enhance the skills of mosquito control workers and supervisors through training.

The Administrator said the efficacy of the insecticides used for mosquito control has been proven to be 100 percent effective in tests conducted by the Ministry of Health. Additionally, expert advice is being taken and implemented on alternative methods and medicines for mosquito control.

This year, along with mosquito control, emphasis has also been placed on identifying high-risk areas and taking preemptive measures for dengue control. A pre-monsoon Aedes mosquito larvae survey was conducted this year with DSCC's own funding. The survey found that in 63 out of 75 wards, Aedes mosquito larvae density exceeded the prescribed index.

Based on the survey, 27 wards were identified as the most high-risk. Special 'crash programmes' have been conducted in these areas. Officials said identifying high-risk areas through the pre-monsoon survey has made it possible to carry out targeted mosquito control activities there.

Alongside the overall increase in health sector allocation, allocations for hospitals, healthcare and maternity have also been increased. In the 2026-27 fiscal year, Tk 4.26 crore has been allocated for this sector. In the 2025-26 fiscal year, this allocation was Tk 2.48 crore, which was reduced to Tk 1.33 crore in the revised budget.