Private hospitals exploiting dengue patients: District Coordinator for Health Services

Kakinada: East Godavari district coordinator for health services (DCHS) Dr T Ramesh Kishore alleged that private and corporate hospitals in the district are exploiting dengue patients during the treatment.

Participating in the discussion on ‘Dengue and Malaria in East Godavari’ at the ZP general body meeting held at the GMC Balayogi meeting hall here on Sunday, the DCHS said that though 30,000 platelet count in blood was enough, these hospitals are insisting for 50,000 count putting extra financial burden on patients in the form of collecting hefty amounts.

The DCHS who is in-charge for Vaidya  VidhanaParishat  hospitals in the district, replied to the quarries  of ZPTC and MPPs at the instance of district authorities as the DMHO D TSR  Murthy took charge a few days ago.

Dr Ramesh Kishore was holding the additional charge for the last five months. He said that dengue cases noticed in Kakinada urban and rural, Kotanaudru, Tuni, parts of Pedapudi, U-Kothapalli, Peddapuram and Addateegala in Agency area in the district has come down drastically due to steps taken by the health department.

He also said the number of malaria cases also come down due to measures taken in both urban and rural areas in the district. Dr Ramesh also disclosed the details of measures initiated for control of dengue in Rampachodavaram and other agency areas.

The meet slated for10.30 am started one hour behind the schedule at 11.30 am.Deputy Chief Minister NChinarajappa,who  attended as guest, insisted for discussion on dengue as first item in the agenda.

Later several ZPTC members brought to the notice of the medical authorities over the shortage of gynaecologists at PHCs and area hospitals. The members also pointed out the presence of single doctor at P Gannavaram area hospital in the district.

DMHO Dr TS R Murthy assured to take necessary measures for posting doctors in all PHCs and CHCs in the district. The meet also discussed NREGS, agriculture, social welfare and other subjects. ZP chairman Jyotula Naveen presided over the meet. AP Legislative Council Deputy Chairman Reddy Subrahmanyam, Collector Karthikeya Mishra andjoint collector A Mallikarjunaalso participated in the meeting.