Karnataka Boosts Dengue Management Amid Surge

Karnataka's Health department has appointed nodal officers in all government hospitals across Bengaluru to tackle dengue. With over 11,451 cases this year, a toll-free helpline (1800-425-8330) is set up for public aid. Hospitals are directed to reserve beds for dengue patients to ensure effective treatment.

Amid a spike in dengue cases in Karnataka, the Health department on Friday appointed nodal officers in all government hospitals across Bengaluru for effective management of the vector-borne disease.

A toll-free helpline number -- 1800-425-8330 -- was set up for people to seek information or register complaints regarding dengue-related issues, officials said.

These dedicated nodal officers will ensure better patient care, quicker response times, and effective management of dengue cases.

Earlier this week, dengue cases in the state crossed the 10,000 mark, taking the cumulative positive cases to 11,451 from January 1 to July 18. The vector-borne disease has claimed the lives of eight people in the state this year.

Under the Health and Family Welfare department, six hospitals across Bengaluru have appointed one nodal officer each to address dengue-related issues. They can also lodge complaints in case of any dengue-related violation or request for a bed for patients suffering from the disease.

It is a 24x7 toll-free number for the public to connect and seek information about dengue, a senior health official said.

To ensure effective management of moderate and severe cases of dengue, the Health department had issued an order directing key government hospitals in Bengaluru to reserve a specific number of beds for dengue patients.