Published Jul 19, 2024 | 5:55 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 19, 2024 | 5:55 PM
Aedes aegypti mosquito. (Creative Commons)
Amid a spike in dengue cases in Karnataka, the Health Department on Friday, 19 July, appointed nodal officers in all government hospitals across Bengaluru for effective management of the vector-borne disease.
A toll-free helpline number — 1800-425-8330 — is set up for people to seek information or register complaints regarding dengue-related issues, officials said.
These dedicated nodal officers will ensure better patient care, quicker response times and effective management of dengue cases.
Earlier this week, dengue cases in the state crossed the 10,000 mark so far this year, taking the cumulative positive cases to 11,451 from January 1 to July 18. The vector-borne disease has claimed the lives of eight people in the state this year.
“Under the Health and Family Welfare department, we have six hospitals across Bengaluru and one nodal officer has been appointed in each of them to address dengue-related issues.
“They can also lodge complaints in case of any dengue-related violation or request for a bed for patients suffering from the vector-borne disease.
It is a 24×7 toll-free number for the public to connect and seek information about dengue,” a senior health official said.
To ensure effective management of moderate and severe cases of dengue, the Health department issued an order directing five government hospitals in Bengaluru to reserve a specific number of beds for dengue patients.
In an official memorandum signed by the Commissioner of the Department of Health and Family Welfare, D Randeep said, “In view of the increased dengue cases in the state as well as in Bengaluru city, effective management of moderate and severe cases is crucial to prevent dengue deaths. Therefore, a specific number of beds shall be reserved for the management of dengue patients.”
To ensure that there is effective management of such cases, the health department has chosen KC General Hospital (25 beds), CV Raman Hospital (25 beds), GH Jayanagara Hospital (25 beds), Taluka Hospital in Yelahanka (10 beds)and KR Puram (10 beds) to reserve beds for dengue patients.
The memorandum clarified that this reservation is over and above the directions issued earlier on the reservation of 10 beds each in family and welfare hospitals in district headquarters, five beds each in Taluka headquarters.
The surge in dengue cases is particularly concerning during the monsoon season, which provides ideal breeding conditions for Aedes mosquitoes, the primary vectors for dengue.
(With PTI inputs)
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