Nagpur: Important health alert for all Nagpur and Vidarbha residents— the annual Mass Drug Administration (MDA) drive for Lymphatic Filariasis (LF), also known as elephantiasis, has officially started in February 2026! This mosquito-borne disease is preventable, but if not treated early, it can cause severe swelling and disability. The good news: The government is providing free preventive medicines (DEC + Albendazole tablets) to everyone above 2 years old—no tests needed, just take one dose under supervision. The drive runs from February 10 to February 20, 2026 (with mop-up rounds till March 5 in some areas). Don't miss this—protect yourself, your family, and the community from this neglected tropical disease. Here's everything you need to know: where to go, how it works, and why it's important right now.
Health teams going door-to-door in Nagpur for the LF MDA drive – free medicine for all!
Why This Drive Matters in Nagpur 2026
Lymphatic Filariasis is still endemic in parts of Vidarbha (including Nagpur urban & rural areas). Mosquitoes spread it, but one annual dose of medicine prevents infection and stops transmission. Maharashtra aims to eliminate LF by 2030—Nagpur's participation is key. Side effects are mild (nausea, headache in rare cases), but benefits are huge: healthier families, no future lymphedema cases. Pregnant women, kids under 2, and those with serious illness skip DEC—consult booth staff.
Where to Get Free Medicine in Nagpur (February 10–20, 2026)
- Door-to-Door Distribution: Health workers (ASHAs, ANMs) visit homes in all wards—take the tablet in front of them (supervised swallowing). If missed, don't worry—booths are open.
- Fixed Booth Locations: All government health centers, PHCs, urban health posts, sub-centers, schools, anganwadis, and major markets. Key spots include:
- Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) headquarters & zones (Sitabuldi, Mahal, Imambada, etc.)
- Govt Medical College & Hospital (GMCH) OPD area
- AIIMS Nagpur campus booths
- Major markets: Sitabuldi, Itwari, Cotton Market, Gandhi Bagh
- Corporation schools & community halls in every ward
- Mop-up Rounds: February 21–March 5 for missed households—teams revisit or extra booths set up.
Quick Tips for the LF MDA Drive
- Take medicine after food to avoid stomach upset.
- Not for kids under 2, pregnant women, or severe illness—ask health worker.
- No fasting needed—just swallow with water.
- If you have questions, call NMC helpline (0712-256 7020) or 104 health helpline.
- Spread the word—share with neighbors, family in rural Vidarbha.