Hyderabad: On Thursday, Health Minister C Damodar Raja Narsimha urged officials to enhance preparations due to the risk of seasonal diseases during the monsoon.
Officials were instructed to visit both government and private hospitals in districts and the city. They are to assess the situation and expand outpatient (OP) services, stock essential medicines, and ensure ample testing kits. The Minister held a teleconference from Sangareddy, discussing potential increases in diseases like dengue, malaria, viral fevers, and respiratory infections with senior department officials.
Preventive healthcare was emphasized, with a focus on identifying high-risk areas. The Minister called for collaboration with the Panchayat Raj and Municipal Administration Departments to implement vector control measures, such as anti-larval operations and fogging, along with awareness campaigns. He also ordered regular testing of drinking water samples.
With the potential rise in hospital visits, the Minister advised on increasing OP counters and extending service hours if needed. He stressed having enough essential medicines, diagnostic kits, and testing equipment ready at hospitals. All necessary tests for patients should be conducted on-site to avoid outside referrals.
Strict oversight of T-Diagnostic Centres was also highlighted. The Minister insisted on prompt test results and improving sanitation, hygiene, and food services in hospitals. Food Safety Officers were directed to carry out surprise inspections and address any hygiene issues with disciplinary action against responsible parties.
Regarding reports of high charges by some private hospitals for dengue treatment, the Minister demanded strict actions against such practices. Billing must adhere to set standards to prevent patient exploitation.
The Minister instructed health officials to ensure all hospitals, from Primary Health Centres to Teaching Hospitals, have sufficient anti-venom drugs as the agriculture season begins. Emergency cases, including pregnant women, must receive immediate attention. He also urged the public to maintain personal hygiene and keep surroundings clean to avoid seasonal illnesses.
