India, May 31 -- With the monsoon approaching, the Maharashtra public health department has directed health officials across the state to strengthen surveillance, ensure adequate medicine stocks and keep rapid response teams ready to tackle outbreaks of water-borne and vector-borne diseases, officials said on Saturday.

Dr Sandeep Sangale, joint director, malaria, filariasis and water-borne diseases issued the directions during a pre-monsoon preparedness review on Thursday.

Health authorities have been asked to prepare village-wise action plans in areas vulnerable to disease outbreaks, flooding, poor sanitation and drinking water contamination. District administrations were directed to ensure that medical officers and health workers rema...