Over 40 Tamil Nadu Health Unit Districts Lack Entomologists Amid Dengue Rise
More than 40 of the 45 Health Unit Districts in Tamil Nadu are currently operating without District Entomologists amid a rise in dengue cases across the State. The shortage comes ahead of the Northeast monsoon, raising concerns over vector-borne disease surveillance and control.
According to the Tamil Nadu Public Health Entomologists Association, 48 of the 60 sanctioned posts of Senior Entomologists remain vacant in the State. Each Health Unit District is allotted one District Entomologist, alongside senior positions in government medical colleges and at the Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine.
A Directorate of Public Health source noted that the absence of technical experts hampers critical assessments of mosquito density, breeding patterns, and vector indices. Without proper entomological surveillance, vector control efforts risk becoming routine activity rather than being guided by scientific assessments, particularly as dengue control cannot rely solely on fogging and chemical application.
The posts have remained vacant since 2024–2025 following a lack of eligible candidates for promotion. To address the shortfall, the Directorate of Public Health proposed direct recruitment through the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission to fill 33 Senior Entomologist vacancies.
The commission conducted written examinations under the Combined Technical Services Examination in July 2025 and concluded interviews in March 2026. Although marks have been published, the release of the final selection list has been stalled because some candidates approached the court regarding recruitment grievances. Additionally, the commission has notified another 13 Senior Entomologist posts for 2025–2026.
The association had submitted representations in July to the Health Secretary, the Directorate of Public Health, and the commission, urging them to expedite the court proceedings and finalise appointments to strengthen district-level disease monitoring.