Health Minister directs officials to open special wards in hospitals

Khammam: Minister for Health Eatala Rajender here on Tuesday directed the officials to set up special wards with additional beds on temporary basis in the district government hospital to treat patients suffering from viral fevers.

The Minister was visiting the Khammam District Government Hospital and reviewing steps taken to prevent seasonal diseases and other related issues. He also told the officials that services of private doctors and medical facilities outside the government hospital can be outsourced.

There are 675 patients receiving treatement in the 400-bed government hospital. Hence, the Minister asked the officials to open special wards with additional beds on temporary basis to provide treatment to patients.

Doctors and medical staff should be available round the clock. There should be no complaints on lack of facilities at the hospital. The hospital development funds should be used. If additional funds were required, proposals should be sent for immediate sanction, the Minister said.

Rajender stressed the need to carry fogging, insecticide spray and setting up medical camps to prevent spread of viral fevers. He appealed to the doctors to educate masses on the measures to be taken to ensure that the viral fevers do not spread.

District Collector R V Karnan informed the Minister that effective measures to prevent spread of viral fevers had been launched. Managements of private hospitals and clinics were directed to ensure that blood tests of suspected dengue cases are conducted only at District Hospital.

Medical camps were conducted, and two doctors posted round the clock in villages where viral fever cases were reportred. A rapid fever survey was also being conducted and dry day was being observed twice in a week, the Collector explained.

Director of Health Srinivas expressed satisfaction over medical services being offered at the District Hospital. The number of dengue cases came down this year in comparison with last year and there were no deaths due to dengue in Khammam, he said.

The Minister Rajender also visited Kothagudem District Hospital on the day. He reviewed the steps being taken by health officials in ensuring quality treatment to the patients. He wanted the officials to lay special focus on agency villages and conduct medical camps in the villages.