Dengue patients from other states throng Patiala

Karam Prakash

Tribune News Service

Patiala, October 23

Amid the alleged shortage of beds, dengue patients from neighbouring states have already started coming to Patiala for treatment.

It has been learnt that many patients from Kaithal, Ambala and Panchkula districts of Haryana and Chandigarh are undergoing treatment for dengue at both private and government hospitals in Patiala.

NO CAUSE FOR CONCERN

We’re not stopping anyone. The situation is under control so far and there are enough beds available for dengue patients in the district. —Dr Sumeet Singh, District epidemiologist

Health officials said there was a shortage of beds in neighbouring states that led to the inflow of dengue patients from there. The shortage of blood platelets — that are required for serious dengue patients — in neighbouring states also contributed to the influx, the officials added.

Health officials, however, claimed there was no cause for concern as there was no dearth of beds in the district.

Meanwhile, the health officials said as many as 11,775 dengue cases had already surfaced in the state. Mohali is the worst-hit with over 1,900 cases reported till Friday, followed by Bathinda (1,700).

The state has already reported over 40 suspected dengue deaths so far. Meanwhile, health officials of various districts have alleged the underreporting of the death count, which could be much higher.