Jamshedpur DC caps rates for dengue tests in private hospitals

Jamshedpur, July 10: With Monsoon knocking the doors, Jamshedpur Deputy Commissioner Ananya Mittal has directed all hospitals to charge Rs 300 for dengue tests and reserve at least two beds for patients suffering with the mosquito-borne disease.

The deputy commissioner gave the hospitals after a meeting with health officials after five people were detected with dengue in the last five days.

Mittal said, “Key directives have been issued to curb dengue outburst. We have directed all hospitals to reserve two beds and charge not more than Rs300 for dengue tests.”

“We have also formed Quick Response Teams (QRT). A contact tracing teams will be deployed to identify and test for dengue larvae in probable sites and hotspot zones from the previous year,” added Mittal.

The DC has directed all government and private hospitals in the district to reserve two beds specifically for dengue patients and ensure the availability of adequate dengue testing kits.

Hospitals have been instructed to charge a fixed amount of Rs 300 for dengue tests, with strict action to be taken against any institutions charging more.

DC Ananya Mittal held a meeting with administrative officers and representatives of government and private hospitals at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office Auditorium. Key directives were issued, including the availability of testing kits, the formation of Quick Response Teams (QRT), the issuance of helpline numbers, and the deployment of contact tracing teams to identify and test for dengue larvae in probable sites and hotspot zones from the previous year.

Urban body officials and representatives from JUSCO were ordered to carry out fogging, ensure cleanliness, and conduct extensive public awareness campaigns about dengue in urban areas. Education department officials were tasked with spreading awareness among school children, providing information about dengue prevention during assemblies and classes, encouraging the wearing of full-body clothing, and holding meetings with parents and the community to prevent waterlogging around schools.

In a meeting with doctors, municipal officials, and TSUISL representatives, the Health Department reported two dengue cases in the district, with both patients currently stable. The DC emphasized immediate anti-larvae spraying in affected areas and instructed health workers to conduct door-to-door dengue larvae testing. Houses found with larvae will be fined Rs 500 for the first occurrence, with legal action to follow if larvae are found again during subsequent inspections.

Additionally, a special team has been formed in the Mango Municipal Corporation for dengue prevention. Deputy Municipal Commissioner Suresh Yadav implemented a roster for daily fogging and spraying of anti-larvae around water-logging areas and drains. An awareness campaign will be conducted throughout the area to educate residents on dengue prevention measures.

The administration advises residents to take precautions against dengue by regularly cleaning areas where water collects, using mosquito nets, emptying and covering water containers, and wearing protective clothing. Any symptoms of dengue should prompt immediate consultation with a doctor, and no medication should be taken without medical advice.