Chikungunya deaths: Union Health Ministry seeks report from Delhi govt
New Delhi: The Union Health Ministry has sought a detailed report from the Delhi government after chikungunya complications claimed six lives in the national capital and affected over 1000 people in the city.
Union Health Minister J P Nadda, who held a meeting with officials concerned to review the dengue and chikungunya situation in the country including the national capital, also spoke to Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain and assured him of all support from the Centre.
"We have sought a detailed report from Delhi government (regarding chikungunya deaths) as to what has been the co-morbidity in these death cases and its details.
"There is no second opinion that death does not occur due to chikungunya and it does not become the cause of death. But still, we have sought a detailed report from the Delhi government. Whatever help and support is needed will be given," Nadda told reporters.
Chikungunya is taking its toll in Delhi and a few other cities across the country, with at least six deaths due to the vector-borne disease reported in the last two days in the national capital where the number of cases have crossed over 1,000.
"I spoke to Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain before the review meeting and asked him if he had some requirements. He said that all facilities are available with them and they are working as per the protocols.
"I have told him that if he has any requirement, he should tell us. He assured that there are adequate medicines, beds and testing facilities. I conveyed to him that whatever facilities is needed the Centre is ready to give. We will be working together. We want to address the issue by working in coordination," Nadda said.
According to National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP), around 12,255 cases of chinkungunya have been reported across the country till August 31. Karnataka alone has recorded 8,941, Maharashtra 839 and Andhra Pradesh 492.
Nadda noted that there has been an "upsurge" of chikungunya cases in Delhi and a large number of fever cases have also been reported but asserted that there is no need to "panic" while stressing the need for taking symptomatic treatment.
