Hyderabad: Health experts are calling for the government to ensure hospitals report complications from dengue. They recommend encouraging protocol-based treatments and sharing knowledge between major hospitals and rural areas to prevent deaths and high medical costs.
Dengue is a seasonal disease that often requires monitoring at specialized centers. Health professionals emphasize the need for updated treatment protocols for this tropical illness. Dr. Madap Karuna from EMRI Green Health Services pointed out that dengue cases differ from those in Western countries, which lack studies on severe cases. “The WHO protocol doesn’t offer much on severe dengue management. Protocols need updates,” said Dr. Karuna. He suggested that, like during COVID-19, research and options should be ongoing for dengue, as it is evolving. Policymakers should support multi-center studies and share data with WHO to help doctors manage severe cases.
Doctors face challenges when dengue patients arrive at hospitals in critical condition. Sharing experiences and feedback can improve treatment. Private sectors attempt to address this through affordable conferences, but rural centers lack such mechanisms. With dengue cases rising until September-October, doctors urge the government to launch awareness campaigns.
Dr. Karuna mentioned that dengue has been around for two decades, and the public should know when to refer patients and what treatments are available. The cost of treatment often leads patients into financial hardship. “Managing a child in the hospital is extremely challenging,” noted Dr. Karuna.
Dr. Vijay Rao, a senior cardiologist at the International Training Center at Gandhi Medical College, highlighted that while medical protocols exist, practical common sense is crucial, especially in developing countries with limited resources.
