Chennai: With the spike in number of dengue cases in Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami held a review meeting with health minister C. Vijayabhaskar and senior officials of health department on Monday on the ways and means to control incidence of the dreaded disease.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Vijayabhaskar said it has been decided to observe every Thursday as “dengue awareness day” to lay emphasis on dengue control measures as per the instructions of Chief Minister.
“Sanitation officers at all government offices including Panchayat offices, Greater Chennai Corporation, municipalities and Panchayat unions need to make sure that anti-dengue measures are taken up appropriately in localities and carry out surprise inspection,” said health minister.
Health department also announced distribution of Nilavembu Kasayam at railway stations and major bus stops from Tuesday by collaborative efforts of Rural Development Department and Greater Chennai Corporation.
Though rain could be welcomed for bringing relief from heat in the state, it is certainly not good augury for the health department with rising numbers of dengue deaths in the city.
After two recent deaths at Institute of Child Health, the number of pediatric cases has spiked to 45 at the dengue ward of the hospital. Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital has witnessed many new cases this week, total being 24 dengue patients and 190 fever cases. Kilpauk Medical College has four dengue patients and around 100 fever patients currently. The fever outpatients visiting Stanley Medical College (SMC) Hospital is close to 200, while around 150 patients are admitted.
The cases of dengue haemorrhagic fever are being witnessed in large numbers among patients from neighbouring states and districts. Doctors have asked people to stay alert and visit hospitals without delay, stating late referrals as main cause of dengue deaths in TN.
