Expert-led session guides citizens across Gujarat on dengue, malaria, chikungunya, typhoid, leptospirosis and water-borne infections amid heavy rainfall and waterlogging
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AHMEDABAD, GUJARAT | 06th AUGUST 2026 | Star Health and Allied Insurance Company Limited (NSE: STARHEALTH; BSE: 543412), India’s leading standalone health insurer, conducted a public awareness webinar, “Monsoon Diseases: Prevention, Precautions and Early Warning Signs,” to help citizens across Gujarat better prepare for the seasonal rise in infectious diseases.
The initiative comes at a time when Gujarat continues to experience heavy rainfall, waterlogging and flood-like conditions across several districts, creating an environment conducive to the spread of vector-borne and water-borne diseases. During the previous monsoon season in 2025, Star Health recorded over 2,000 claims related to monsoon illnesses from key cities such as Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, Rajkot, Bhavnagar and Anand, reflecting the heightened health risks associated with the season. Against this backdrop, Star Health organised the webinar to raise awareness about monsoon-related diseases, promote preventive healthcare practices and encourage timely medical intervention. The initiative forms part of the company’s broader commitment to preventive healthcare, with similar awareness programmes being conducted across the country to educate communities on seasonal health risks and preparedness.
The expert-led session was conducted by Mr. Rajesh Raichura, Regional Head – Gujarat; Dr. Navneet Biblani, Claims Head; and Dr. Ashish Manhar Raval, Regional Medical Officer (Gujarat), Star Health Insurance. The panel discussed the increasing incidence of dengue, malaria, chikungunya, typhoid, leptospirosis, viral infections and gastrointestinal illnesses during the monsoon, while sharing practical guidance on reducing health risks through preventive measures.
Commenting on the initiative, Vijay Arora, Business Head, Gujarat, Star Health Insurance, said: “The monsoon brings predictable health risks, many of which can be reduced through timely awareness and preventive action. Last monsoon season, we recorded over 2,000 claims related to seasonal illnesses from major cities across Gujarat, reflecting the health challenges people face during this period. Through this webinar, we wanted to equip citizens with practical, medically verified guidance to identify early warning signs, adopt preventive measures and seek timely treatment when required. Beyond financial protection, we are also strengthening access to healthcare through services such as Virtual OPD for remote doctor consultations and Talk to Star for pre-admission guidance. Together, these initiatives reflect our commitment to preventive healthcare and improving health awareness within communities.”
Local health advisory: When to call Talk to Star at 7200 222 333 for medical advice during monsoon
Doctor advised prompt medical evaluation when these symptoms appear, especially during periods of heavy rainfall and waterlogging. |
Speaking during the webinar, Dr. Ashish Manhar Raval, Regional Medical Officer (Gujarat), Star Health Insurance, said: “Many monsoon-related illnesses begin with common symptoms that are often ignored until they become severe. Early diagnosis and timely treatment can significantly improve outcomes, particularly for diseases such as dengue, leptospirosis and typhoid. Simple precautions, including maintaining hygiene, preventing mosquito breeding and avoiding exposure to contaminated water can go a long way in reducing infection risks. Public awareness remains one of the most effective tools in preventing seasonal illnesses.”
Participants received actionable advice on eliminating stagnant water, maintaining personal hygiene, consuming safe food and drinking water, protecting against mosquito bites, and exercising caution in flood-affected and waterlogged areas. The experts also addressed common misconceptions surrounding seasonal illnesses, explained the importance of recognising symptoms early, and highlighted when timely medical consultation can help prevent complications.
The webinar also highlighted how citizens can access quick and free medical advice this monsoon season, alongside timely service interventions designed to help policyholders and members of the public choose the right care access route.
- Unlimited teleconsultations for policyholders: Policyholders can access unlimited teleconsultations during the policy period, encouraging timely medical advice at the first sign of fever or infection.
- ‘Talk to Star’ for policyholders: Policyholders can call 7200 222 333 for guided support. Press 1 for Home Health Care and 2 for planned hospitalisation. The service helps customers understand care pathways, cashless processes, network hospital options and documents to keep ready.
- Cashless Home Health Care: For eligible policyholders whose conditions can be managed at home under medical supervision, Star Health covers doctor-prescribed home treatment. This may include professional nursing care, routine blood tests and monitoring, IV fluids and injections delivered at the patient’s home.
Free Virtual Doctor Consultation for the general public: For non-policyholders and members of the general public, access is available through the Star Health Customer app, where users can book a free 24/7 Virtual Doctor Consultation for common monsoon symptoms.
To access the service, users can download the Star Health Customer app, sign up with basic details including name, email ID and date of birth, open the menu, select ‘Telemedicine’ within the app, and book a free online consultation with experienced doctors across relevant specialties.
As part of the outreach, Star Health is encouraging households across the region, especially those with school-going children and senior citizens, to follow a monsoon-first health protocol: do not ignore persistent fever, seek early medical advice and choose the right access route.
Through initiatives such as these, Star Health Insurance continues to advance preventive healthcare awareness alongside comprehensive health insurance solutions, helping communities make informed health decisions and encouraging early intervention during periods of heightened disease risk. Similar awareness programmes are being conducted across India to educate citizens about water-borne, vector-borne and other seasonal diseases.
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