Dengue toll 11, Delhi to take action on hospitals

What the Delhi government’s health records told the officials was the fact that dengue upsurge was a cyclic occurrence and that this year the city would see a rise in numbers. The instructions also note that special measures need to be taken for vector control in construction sites, basements, roof tops and unused buildings. The recovery has been in more than 99.99 per cent cases.

Dengue outbreaks are reported every year after the monsoon season that runs from June to September. Therefore, the number of cases eventually subsides.

Six-year-old Aman Sharma, of South Delhi’s Srinivaspuri, died of dengue and his parents alleged three hospitals – Max Saket, Moolchand and Batra – had refused to admit him, citing unavailability of beds. It is a very sad and terrible situation in government hospitals.

“The government did do its bit in terms of advertisement, awareness programme, and ensuring that there are enough beds and medicines”.

We have summoned the administrators of all private hospitals and nursing homes in the city. What has the state government done in this regard? “An enquiry is underway into the incident”, said the statement.

Recently, parents of the 7-year-old son committed suicide after their only son suffering from dengue was not admitted to a hospital on time. “The doctors ask us to wait in the corridor until they announce our names”.

The Chief Minister conducted surprise checks at several hospitals, including Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital and Dr Hedgewar Aarogya Sansthan in Karkardooma. Patients are lined up, beds are full…. However, in case of any doubt or fever persisting, the patients must be brought to the hospital for appropriate medicare.

On the other hand, the situation in public hospitals has turned from bad to worse, with the bulk of suspected dengue patients thronging these hospitals.

DHF is a more severe form of dengue infection and it is infected by the same virus that causes dengue fever. Their lack of accountability is further compounded by many of these institutions receiving land at concessional rates as well as availing of water and power subsidies, on the condition that they service EWS category patients.

We have asked all private hospitals and clinics to not charge any unjustified amount. In addition, specific instructions have been conveyed to the MS of the hospitals to accord priority to dengue cases and not to refuse any patient treatment.