The Union Health Ministry has asked doctors at various Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) centres to provide consultation and primary out-patient services to patients arriving with symptoms of dengue and chikungunya regardless of whether or not they were scheme beneficiaries.
“All doctors at various CGHS wellness centres in Delhi and NCR shall provide consultation services and primary out- patient medical care to all citizens -- whether CGHS beneficiaries or not -- who may visit wellness centres with symptoms of dengue, primarily high fever,” the ministry said in a statement in Delhi.
The CGHS wellness centres function between 7.30 am and 2 pm on all working days.
The move follows the review meeting undertaken recently by Cabinet Secretary P K Sinha with committee of secretaries and Delhi Government officials where it was noted that there was an “abnormally” high number of chikungunya cases and in most cases, hospitalisation is not required.
“It was therefore decided that efforts needed to be accelerated to not only advise patients about fever management at home, but also to treat the cases near to homes...
“...Through mobile clinics, dispensaries involving medical officers and para medical staff and support from community volunteers for the same,” said additional Secretary, Health Ministry to Delhi Chief Secretary KK Sharma in a letter.
The Ministry has also shot off letters to all the municipal corporations, NDMC besides Delhi Government, asking them to widely publicise the preventive measures.
Dr DC Joshi, Director CGHS said that the last year too CGHS wellness centres provided good support system when such cases were on rise in the capital. CGHS centres are located in 28 cities presently. In Delhi there are 35 CGHS centres.
The Government has also asked the Municipal Health Officers (MHOs) to intensify source reduction and anti-larvel activities with focus on construction sites and slum colonies. Fogging is recommended in areas reporting clustering of cases.
“It is reiterated that the vector-control activities need to be supervised by senior officers of the corporation. The activities being undertaken by the corporation for prevention and control of chikungunya may be widely publicised to bring greater visibility and awareness,” said Agarwal in his letter to all the bodies.
The Government is also planning to launch a high intensity information education and communication (IEC) campaign which will not only be restricted to advertisements in newspapers but also reach out to the grassroot level including 'mohallahs'.