New Delhi: As the number of deaths due to Chikungunya in the national capital touched 10, the Centre on Wednesday asked the Delhi government to probe whether the fatalities were due to the viral disease or other co-morbid conditions in patients.
The decision to seek a probe from the Delhi government was taken at a high-level meeting, chaired by Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda.
"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 Delhi government. Whatever help and support is needed will be given," Nadda said.
"We have sought a report (regarding chikungunya deaths) as to what has been the co-morbidity in these death cases and its details,” he added.
Chikungunya has claimed at least ten lives in the national capital and the number of cases have also crossed 1,000.
Nadda asked people not to panic and undergo symptomatic treatment. He also spoke with Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain and assured him of all support from the Centre.
Observing that there is no shortage of drugs and testing facilities to counter this recent upsurge, Nadda said that doctors have been advised to strictly follow 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 are needed the Centre is ready to give. We will be working together. We want to address the issue by working in coordination," Nadda said.
The health ministry is also providing training to health workers to ensure timely implementation of various activities that need to be undertaken for vector control, he 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.
The Union Health Minister said that Dengue has been reported in West Bengal, Odisha, Kerela and Karnataka while some cases of malaria have also been reported in West Bengal.
Senior officials from the health ministry, NVBDCP, medical superintendents of central government hospitals, including AIIMS, RML and Safdurjung and National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) were present at the meeting, chaired by Nadda.
The Centre has already asked all states to declare dengue as notifiable disease to improving reporting and to take preventive measures in the affected areas.
Meanwhile in the capital, Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain and Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung held separate meetings to review the situation and urged all stakeholders to mount full efforts to tide over the growing incidences.
“I appeal to all to rise above political considerations and fight the menace unitedly,” said Jung adding, “historically, in emergency, people have come together and fought together. That is what is required now”.