Hyderabad: Health Minister C. Damodar Rajanarasimha has instructed officials to identify hospitals that are causing unnecessary alarm among the public by diagnosing dengue using RAPID TESTS instead of the more reliable ELISA TEST. He emphasized the need for strict action against such practices.
The minister held a video conference with the District Medical and Health Officers (DMHOs) of all districts to discuss the control of seasonal diseases. The meeting took place at the conference hall of the Arogyasree Health Care Trust office. During the discussion, Rajanarasimha directed officials to provide a report detailing the measures being taken at the district level to control seasonal diseases, including dengue.
Rajanarasimha urged officials to monitor misinformation regarding dengue and stressed that severe action should be taken against those relying on rapid tests for diagnosis. He explained that while methods like ELISA and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) are more accurate, they are also more expensive and require advanced laboratories and equipment. In contrast, rapid tests are cheaper and easier to use, but they may not be as reliable.
The minister was informed that as part of the seasonal disease control efforts, a house-to-house fever survey was conducted to collect blood samples from affected individuals. Measures were also taken to ensure better treatment for those diagnosed.
Rajanarasimha asked the officials to identify high-risk areas where cases of seasonal diseases and dengue have been reported and to implement preventive measures. He suggested that oil balls be poured into dirty water storage ponds to prevent the spread of these diseases.
The minister also directed that daily reports on seasonal diseases be submitted to the control room established for seasonal disease prevention. He reassured the public that government hospitals are well-equipped with all necessary tests, blood tests, medicines, staff, and doctors for the diagnosis and treatment of dengue and other seasonal diseases.
As part of the prevention efforts, Rajanarasimha instructed officials to conduct weekly reviews with various government departments such as urban municipal corporations, village panchayats, irrigation, and education. The results of these reviews should be submitted to the district collector with a focus on dengue prevention.
He also warned department officials that strict action would be taken against anyone who is negligent in the prevention of seasonal diseases. During the meeting, the minister reviewed the provision of advanced equipment and infrastructure development in government medical and nursing colleges across the State.
Rajanarasimha instructed Hemant Vasudeva Rao, the Managing Director of Telangana Medical Infrastructure Development Corporation, to prioritize providing advanced equipment to newly established medical and nursing colleges.
Lastly, the minister discussed the ongoing organ transplant program under the Jeevan Daan initiative. He directed officials to take measures to raise awareness and promote the Jeevan Daan program across the state.
