Editorial Team
... Read More
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookie Policy.
Written By: Editorial Team | Published : October 21, 2012 10:11 AM IST
The dengue virus continues to hound Delhi with official stats suggesting that the number of cases have risen to a staggering 617 this season. Experts believe the numbers might be much higher because only some hospitals report dengue cases. Like most seasons, the state government is woefully unprepared with the hospitals struggling to provide facilities for the ailing patients.
The dengue outbreak in Delhi seems to be intensifying, with 32 fresh cases reported on Sunday. The health department is in a tizzy, unable to deal with the exponential rise in the number of cases. While official records show that there has been 617 cases, experts believe the numbers might be much higher because the reports only take into account data from 41 government and 13 private hospitals.
Most private hospitals and nursing homes perform rapid tests for dengue, although the tests have been found to be effective, they are not accepted as legitimate under the government's rules, thereby excluding a large number of possibly confirmed cases. Another crisis that the states hospitals are facing is the unavailability of beds. Doctors are hopeful that once winter sets in the number of cases of dengue will drop drastically. At present almost 20-30 dengue cases are admitted to each private hospital, and government hospitals report a constant influx of patients with dengue-like symptoms.
In view of the current crisis the health minister AK Walia, has asked all hospitals to make arrangements for extra beds and platelets. He has asked all blood banks to be deployed extra staff to ensure that there is no shortage of blood or platelets when required. The minister recently reviewed the availability of platelets at 53 blood banks and found the quality of platelets adequate. He promised that no dengue patient must die due to shortage of platelets.
Also read: Dengue: All you need to know
