WAITS FOR HIS TURN: A suspected dengue patient outside the emergency ward of AIIMS in New Delhi on Thursday. — Photo: PTI

NEW DELHI: Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss on Thursday reiterated the Government's decision not to declare dengue an epidemic. "There is no need for alarm or panic. We are making coordinated efforts with the State Governments to tackle the situation," he told journalists after chairing a meeting here of the Health Ministers of the affected States. The number of cases was expected to fall in the next three days as preventive steps were being taken, he said.

Across the country, 39 dengue deaths occurred and the number of cases was close to 2,900. (According to agencies, the death toll was 43.) While Delhi accounted for the highest number of deaths, Rajasthan reported seven, Uttar Pradesh and Kerala four each, and Gujarat and West Bengal three each. Even as the death toll in the capital and adjoining areas touched 18 and the number of reported cases crossed the 670-mark, the Centre decided to identify referral hospitals for free diagnosis and treatment. These Government hospitals, in Delhi and surrounding towns, would be equipped to handle dengue cases, said Dr. Ramadoss.

Demands to be met

The demands made by the Health Ministers of Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh for provision of test kits, medicines and fogging machines, and upgrading laboratories would be met in a couple of days. The States were asked to coordinate with municipalities, schools and resident welfare associations for better results as dengue was primarily a sanitation problem, Dr. Ramadoss pointed out.

Dengue and chikungunya figured at Thursday's Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Dr. Ramadoss briefed his Cabinet colleagues on the situation.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Priyaranjan Dasmunsi told reporters that dengue had not been fully contained, and the Government was trying to prevent its spread.

Referring to the health of Dr. Singh's two grandsons and son-in-law, who were admitted to the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences with dengue, its spokesperson Shakti Gupta said they were stable.

The Delhi Government has issued notices to construction companies, asking them to check mosquito breeding, if any, or face prosecution.

The Centre will convene a meeting of the infrastructure ministries, including Urban and Rural Development, Panchayati Raj Institutions and Environment and Forests, to take long-term measures for prevention of dengue in the future.

To visit Kerala

Dr. Ramadoss said he would visit Kerala on Friday and discuss with authorities there the steps to be taken to control the outbreak of chikungunya and dengue.While the State Government claimed that 71 persons died of chikungunya, Dr. Ramadoss maintained that the deaths occurred due to secondary complications.

"I will clarify the matter with the State Government. The cause of the deaths has to be scientifically proved," he said.

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