DDK Port Blair to Host Live 'Hello Doctor' on Dengue Today

Doordarshan Kendra (DDK) Port Blair, situated in Sri Vijaya Puram, is scheduled to telecast a crucial live phone-in programme titled 'Hello Doctor' on May 22, 2026, from 5:30 pm to 6:00 pm. The program will specifically address the timely and vital topic of 'Dengue- Symptoms and Treatment.' This initiative underscores DDK's continuous commitment to public health education, particularly in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, where vector-borne diseases like Dengue remain a significant concern. The announcement, published by andamanchronicle.net on May 20, 2026, highlights the channel's role in disseminating essential health information directly to the local populace. The upcoming 'Hello Doctor' segment will feature Dr. B. Ajit Kumar, who serves as the Deputy Director of Malaria and Joint Secretary of the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP). Dr. Kumar will be present in the studio to answer queries from viewers, offering expert insights into the symptoms, prevention, and treatment protocols for Dengue fever. This interactive format is designed to allow direct engagement between medical professionals and the public, enabling residents to seek clarification on their health concerns. Viewers interested in participating can dial phone numbers 245662 or 244745 during the live broadcast. The choice of Dengue as a topic is particularly pertinent. India, including the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, experiences periods of increased Dengue cases, often exacerbated during monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare officially observes National Dengue Day on May 16th each year, emphasizing nationwide awareness and preventive pre-monsoon measures against the disease. Union Minister J.P. Nadda recently called for community participation in Dengue control, reinforcing the theme 'Community Participation for Dengue Control: Check, Clean and Cover.' DDK's program aligns perfectly with these national health campaigns, providing localized and accessible information to the island communities. Doordarshan Kendra Port Blair regularly hosts health-centric programs like 'Hello Doctor' and 'Doctors Speak' on various medical topics, demonstrating its consistent effort to serve as a public health communication platform. For instance, the Andaman Chronicle previously reported a 'Hello Doctor' program on 'Role of Homoeopathy in Lifestyle disorders' on March 18, 2026, and 'Doctors Speak' on 'National Dengue Day' on May 16, 2025, also featuring Dr. B. Ajit Kumar. Other topics covered have included Deworming and its management and issues related to Liver Disease, indicating a broad approach to public health awareness. These broadcasts enable experts to reach a wide audience, providing credible medical advice and fostering a proactive approach to community health. The live phone-in format is a long-standing and effective method used by Doordarshan to engage viewers directly with experts. The Andaman Chronicle consistently acts as a reliable local news source for announcing these public service broadcasts by DDK Port Blair. Their timely reporting ensures that the local population is well-informed about crucial health and community initiatives. The collaboration between local media and public broadcasters like DDK is vital in regions like the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, where targeted awareness campaigns can significantly impact public health outcomes. The program's focus on 'Dengue- Symptoms and Treatment' is expected to empower viewers with essential knowledge for early detection, prevention, and seeking appropriate medical care, thereby contributing to the overall well-being of the islanders. The context of Dengue in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands is also noteworthy. Research indicates that while Dengue was not historically reported in the archipelago, it emerged with outbreaks in 2009. The South Andaman region is particularly affected, with increased air travel, urbanization, population growth, and challenging mosquito control measures contributing to the rise in cases. Studies have also highlighted pre-monsoon peaks in Dengue cases in the islands, emphasizing the need for continuous awareness. Therefore, a dedicated program like 'Hello Doctor' on this topic serves a critical public interest by arming the community with necessary information to combat the disease effectively. This type of local, real-time health communication is invaluable in mitigating health risks in vulnerable populations. In conclusion, the news article from andamanchronicle.net is accurate and highly relevant. The reported telecast is a verified, timely public health initiative by DDK Port Blair, addressing a significant health concern for the residents of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The detailed focus on symptoms and treatment, coupled with expert interaction, makes it a valuable resource for the community.

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