Thiruvananthapuram: With more than 1,500 confirmed cases of dengue being reported this month alone and Thiruvananthapuram retaining the dubious distinction of being the dengue capital yet again, the situation is fast turning from bad to worse in the state.
Despite the alarming situation on the ground, the health department and local bodies are busy indulging in a blame game. Both departments are holding each other responsible for the current situation particularly in the state capital.
To make matters worse, dengue is affecting doctors in various hospitals across the state with the maximum damage being suffered by the general hospital, Thiruvananthpauram. More than 30 doctors have been infected with dengue at this hospital over the past one month, seriously affecting patient care activities. The hospital which should ideally have a strength of 90 doctors is managing with about 50 doctors at the moment.
A similar situation prevails in taluk and district hospitals which have witnessed a three to four-fold increase in the number of fever patients. Taluk hospitals which should have 30 doctors are running the show with less than ten and district hospitals which should ideally have 60 doctors are managing with just about 30 doctors.
The health service department is managing public health work in 90 per cent of panchayat areas while the local bodies are responsible for these activities in urban areas.
