Zero malaria and dengue deaths in Andhra Pradesh this year, says health minister

Health Minister Kamineni Srinivas has said that the position of the State in terms of healthcare is better than other states.
Health minister Kamineni Srinivasa Rao | Express
Health minister Kamineni Srinivasa Rao | Express

VIJAYAWADA: Asserting that not even a single death took place in the State due to malaria or dengue fevers till date this year, Health Minister Kamineni Srinivas has said that the position of the State in terms of healthcare is better than other states.“Of course, there is outbreak of fevers in different parts of the State due to change in weather. But, there is no need to panic as the government is staying a step ahead by arranging medical camps in those areas where the spread of seasonal diseases is more,’’ he said.

Speaking to mediapersons at the Interim Government Complex in Velagapudi on Tuesday, the Health Minister said that as per the statistics released by the Union Medical and Health department, Andhra Pradesh  stands a few notches above the other States when it comes to the health condition of people.
Stating that 13 deaths were registered in the State due to swine flu (H1N1), Srinivas said that the number of deaths stood at an alarming 532 in Maharashtra, 396 in Gujarat, 75 in Kerala, 16 and 15 in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka respectively.

He said unlike previous years when the diagnosis for swine flu only happened in Hyderabad, the government set up required medical equipment in all teaching hospitals to diagnose the H1N1.To extend immediate medical treatment to patients, in every teaching hospital, a ward exclusively has been allocated to treat swine flu victims. Five beds in Area Hospitals and three beds in Community Health Centres have been allocated to treat the patients afflicted with swine flu, he added.

Refuting the allegations of corruption in the process of calling tenders for urban health centres, ambulances, diagnostic tests and implementation of Telemedicine, Srinivas said that the government has saved Rs10,000 per month each on 477 ambulances.Earlier, the GVK EMRI, which was maintaining the ambulance services,  used to charge Rs1.42 lakh per vehicle every month and sought the government to enhance the charge to Rs 1.52 lakh per month. But, when the government invited fresh tenders, the same company, which demanded Rs 1.52 lakh for each ambulance, quoted Rs1.32 lakh. But, we gave the contract to another firm which quoted Rs 1.30 lakh, the minister said.

Steps taken
MRI and CT scan facility to made available in all district hospitals
Teleophthalmology to be available in 117 Community Health Centres where ophthalmology facility in not available Scientific sanitation in all the CHCs
Telemedicine facility in all the 222 Urban Health Centres
AP, with only 13 swine flu deaths, stands at a better position compared to other states

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