NEW DELHI: Despite 14 sanctioned posts, the national capital currently does not have a single anti-malaria officer (AMO), a recent report by Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) on staff strength in the public health department has revealed.Till Aug 8 this year, Delhi had reported 230 dengue and 71 malaria cases. In 2025, there were 315 dengue cases and 148 malaria cases in the corresponding period. However, cases of vector-borne diseases tend to rise during the post-monsoon season.As per the MCD report, against 12 sanctioned posts for epidemiologists, only three have been filled, two of which are contractual staff.Similarly, against 12 sanctioned posts for entomologists, nine have been filled, including five contractual. While 46 positions have been filled out of 150 sanctioned posts for malaria inspectors, in the case of assistant malaria inspectors, only 205 out of 600 posts have been filled.
Vector control
Out of 85 sanctioned posts for public health inspectors, just 48 have been filled while only 120 assistant public health inspectors, who also monitor operations to control the spread of vector-borne diseases, have been appointed despite 255 sanctioned posts.Acknowledging a shortage of qualified doctors in the public health department, MCD said authorities have been requested to mobilise officers from district health administration departments.An official said the position of field staff is reviewed periodically. “Available staff is mobilised from zones with low disease burden and deployed as per need, so that essential anti-dengue activities continue without interruption,” he said.“Of the nine entomologists, three have been given additional charge of vacant zones. Further requisition of vacant posts of group C has also been sent to Delhi Subordinate Services Selection Board for regular recruitment.Malaria inspectors have been directed to handle the work of AMOs in all 12 zones for the time being,” he added.Apart from recruitment, on-ground activities to check vector-borne diseases have also been slow this year. Till Aug 8 this year, while 2.7 lakh houses have been sprayed with insecticide, the figure stood at 7 lakh last time, shows MCD’s report on dengue and other vector-borne diseases.Moreover, fewer houses have been visited compared to 2025. This year, 82,870 houses have been found positive for mosquito breeding, down from 1.4 lakh houses last time.The official said house-to-house visits are carried out by multi-tasking staff, some of whom were engaged in SIR-related and IT department duties.“They have now been directed to resume and strengthen vector-control activities, and strictly ensure the field visits programme and special campaigns are being followed,” he added.
