Private hospitals told to charge govt. rates for suspected dengue cases

Many hospitals in Hassan have been treating patients for dengue without proper testing

Educating the public:The Health Department has been conducting surveys to make people aware of preventing the spread of dengue in Hassan.— File Photo: Prakash Hassan

Private hospitals and nursing homes in the district have been instructed to follow the State government’s price chart while treating suspected dengue cases, said District Health Officer R. Venkatesh, adding that the department would take stern action against those ignoring the instructions.

He was speaking at press conference in the district on Monday.

Many hospitals were treating a majority of the fever cases as dengue cases without confirming whether they were dengue cases or not. “Only I have the authority to declare if a patient is suffering from dengue or not after conducting the Elisa test at the sentinel laboratory. So far, no deaths have occurred in Hassan owing to dengue this year,” he told journalists.

914 suspected cases

In Hassan, as many as 914 suspected cases of dengue have been reported this year. Among them, only 150 were confirmed cases. The highest among the confirmed cases were reported in Hassan town. Mr. Venkatesh said, “There is no need to panic. However, we need to implement some measures to prevent the virus from spreading.”

Wrong test

The officer said that the rapid card test, followed by many clinics to diagnose dengue, was not a confirmatory test. However, many clinics had been declaring dengue cases based on the test and treating them so.

When it was brought to his notice that private clinics were also charging patients heavily for treatment, even before the case was confirmed as dengue, Mr. Venkatesh said he would take action if specific information was provided. “I have instructed all clinics and nursing homes to display the rate card. If they do not follow the instructions, they will attract punitive action,” he said.

Spreading awareness

The Health Department, with the help of local bodies, has been conducting surveys to educate people on preventing the spread of dengue. “Our staff have covered all the affected areas and conducted source reduction activities,” he said.

District malaria officer Dr. Rajagopal and district surveillance officer Dr. Hirannaiah and others were present at the press conference.