At least 17 people have died due to dengue in the national capital (Agence France-Presse photo)
With dengue scare gripping the national capital, Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain has directed converting 50 government-run dispensaries into 'Fever and Dengue Clinics' from Monday.
The decision was taken to ensure treatment to more dengue and fever patients, and these newly-converted clinics will also make arrangements for counselling of patients regarding vector-borne diseases, the minister said yesterday.
"We have 450 dispensaries across Delhi. Out of these, we have decided to convert 50 dispensaries into Fever and Dengue Clinics to treat more patients across the national capital.
"The clinics will be established in those areas which are most affected. These clinics will start working from Monday and will remain open from 7 AM to 9 PM," Health Minister Satyendar Jain told PTI.
The minister said these clinics will be in addition to the existing 'Fever Clinics" at government hospitals.
"We will also depute two-three doctors at these clinics and if a patient is in normal condition, he or she will be treated. But, if he or she is immediately needed to be admitted to hospitals, these Fever and Dengue Clinics will arrange ambulance for the patient," Mr Jain also said.
Meanwhile, in order to accommodate rising number of dengue patients, the Delhi government has decided to immediately add 795 beds in 48 new private hospitals and nursing homes on a temporary basis by granting them provisional registration certificates for three months.
The government said provisional registration certificates will be given to new nursing homes and hospitals on the condition that they would only admit fever and dengue patients till further orders.