Dengue : Notifiable Disease, Emphasis on Public-Private Health Coordination by State Government

Abhijit Ray, Kolkata:Like the corona war, the state is emphasizing the coordination of public and private health sectors in the fight against dengue. State Health Secretary Narayanswaroop Nigam on Saturday held a virtual meeting with various private hospitals regarding the dengue situation. In that meeting, he clearly informed the attitude of the state government.He urged the private health sector to stand by to prevent the outbreak of mosquito-borne diseases. At the same time, they have been warned about various issues including the cost, according to the sources of the health department. Emphasis on treatment of patients following the guidelines to the letter. Besides, private hospitals have also been directed to rein in medical expenses, according to government sources.On the other hand, the state health department has expressed concern over the increase in the incidence of dengue in rural areas as well as cities this season. Dengue situation in rural areas Dengue has been declared as a Notifiable Disease

*If someone is admitted to hospital due to dengue or malaria, it should be reported to the health department

*Daily statistics of cases should be submitted through the new portal launched by the state government and the website of the health departmentThe number of tests should be increased. But the cost should be kept within the affordability

* The District Magistrates have been directed to take several special steps to deal with the threat of taking legal action against the concerned hospitals-nursing homes if they demand excessive money for examination and treatment.

  1. Separate wards for dengue patients have been ordered in city and district medical colleges, health centres, district hospitals.
  2. Patients with fever should be tested for dengue and malaria.

The statistics of daily cases have to be submitted through the new portal launched by the state government and the website of the health department

*If symptoms of dengue or malaria are present, ELISA, NS1 test should be confirmed

* The number of tests should be increased. But the cost should be kept within the affordability

*Also warned of taking legal action against the hospital-nursing home concerned for overcharging for examination and treatment.