Delhi government to set up 300 'dengue clinics'

New Delhi, July 12: The Delhi government will set up 300 'dengue clinics' to tackle dengue cases in the city, as around 40 cases of the vector-borne disease have been reported so far.

"To address the dengue problem this year we have decided to set up 300 dengue clinics in the capital. Tests for dengue will be conducted at these clinics and primary treatment for the same will also be provided here," Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain said on Tuesday.

According to a civic body report, of the 39 dengue cases reported in the national capital so far, 15 were reported in June, while 24 cases were reported in the first 10 days of July.

The vector-borne disease claimed at least 80 lives in 2015, a year that saw 15,867 cases of dengue.

Sources in the Delhi government said dengue clinics will work like the mohalla (area) clinics that are aimed at providing good quality door-step medical facilities to people.

"These dengue clinics will be set up in various localities of the city and work on the lines of mohalla clinics. Nodal officers will be appointed for these clinics. The government might also pool private clinics in this move," a source in the Delhi government said.

On Monday, Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda chaired a meeting with Jain and Mayors of Delhi's all municipal corporations here to review the preparedness for prevention and control of dengue in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR).

In the meeting, Nadda assured all necessary help to the government in dealing with the situation. Nadda said that 33 surveillance labs, and two apex labs with advanced diagnostic facilities were adequately equipped to undertake dengue tests.

IANS