Dengue Cases On Rise In Delhi; Private Blood Banks Asked To Give Platelets For Free

Delhi reported 12 dengue cases as on July 18, taking the total number of victims to 29 this year, which is the highest number of dengue cases in the last five years.

The Delhi government has asked private blood banks to provide platelets for free and beds for dengue patients, to manage the rising number of dengue cases in the city.

The government has taken steps to ensure that there is adequate supply of blood and platelets and there is no shortage of beds during the outbreak.

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"Private blood banks have been requested to give platelets for free. If they can't then they should provide it at nominal rate. We are also strengthening diagnostic facility in the hospitals," said, Charan Singh, Additional Director, Public Health and Waterborne Diseases Control, Directorate of Health Services.

According to a municipal report, 29 cases of dengue have been reported till last weak this year, the highest number for the period in the last six years.

According to the report, the number of cases during January 1 till July 18 for the earlier five years were - 16 (2014), 14 (2013), 8 (2012), 11 (2011), 28 (2010).

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Out of the 29 dengue cases recorded in Delhi, the maximum number of cases were reported from North Delhi (10), South Delhi (9), East Delhi (6) and two cases were recorded outside the jurisdiction of the municipal corporations.

Out of the total number of dengue cases in 2015, 12 have been reported in July.

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The Delhi government is implementing guidelines issued by the central government. All the beds have been identified and marked for dengue patients so that there is no crisis, said Singh.

Currently, there are 34 government hospitals offering diagnosis and treatment for dengue patients.

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"The health department is all geared up to deal with the cases of dengue. Regular trainings and sensitization workshop are being organized by the health officials for the domestic breed checkers," said Singh.

A 24-hour diagnosis facility will be provided at government centers besides free of cost transportation of the patients.

The health department plans to rope in school children for its dengue control activities, as part of the awareness campaign.

Amar Nath, Secretary, Health and Family Welfare Department, said, “We are conducting various awareness campaigns among the students through the medium of literature to make them aware about the disease and preventive measures. Even doctors have been trained to do counseling of patients and avoid panic in case of body pain or high fever.”

Source-Medindia