Residents have nothing, but hope

BANGALORE: Priya Ranjith didn't know how deadly dengue can be until she lost her two-year-old Diana a week ago to it. But even now, this resident of Devara Jeevana Halli (DJ Halli) has to cope with the unhygienic conditions around her home.
"We were told in the hospital that my child's platelet count was low and after one hour of being admitted to the CSI Hospital, Diana passed away.A local physician referred us to Bowring Hospital. Despite waiting there for one hour, my child was not attended to though she was in a critical condition. We were asked to go to Vanivilas Hospital. She wasn't given any treatment there either, as they found her condition critical. We were then asked to go to CSI Hospital. I only pray that God protects my son Alvin from dengue,'' hoped Priya.
Several parents are desperately worried about their children. "Wherever you set foot, it's unclean and stinking. Naturally, diseases thrive," say residents.
A medical officer at the BBMP Health Centre refused to reveal the number of dengue cases. "We treat patients when they come. Now, there are no such cases," she said. These medical officers are under strict orders not to talk to the media.
However, Dr Selva Raj, a local practitioner, said dengue cases have been on the rise and he sees nearly three cases every day. "The health department in this ward must be treated first. Doctors and health inspectors have done nothing," says Dr Selva Raj, who has been working here for the past 20 years. "I ask patients with less than 50,000 platelets to go to private or government hospitals as I don't have facilities for platelet donation here," Dr Raj added.
COSTLY TESTS
"At least 10-12 patients with dengue-like symptoms are being admitted in our hospital daily. BBMP must wake up and keep the wards clean. In our hospital, we have an automated haematology analyzer, which gives the accurate platelet count. Such facilities are not there in BBMP hospitals. Crucial hours of treatment are lost in sending the blood sample to National Institute of Virology. About 15% of cases that we treat here are confirmed cases of dengue," said Dr Mohasin Pasha, medical director, Mediscope Hospital.
The hospital also does a dengue serology test. "It's a must for someone suffering with dengue symptoms. But the patients from these areas can't afford it. We do it at a concessional rate for them," said Dr Pasha.
CORPORATORSPEAK
There are nearly 150 patients in my ward suffering from symptoms of dengue. It's all due to the callous attitude of health officials, who do not ensure garbage clearance. Nearly 60% of the drainage pipelines are linked to stormwater drains. The drains overflow at many junctions and create a mess. Dirty water gets mixed with rainwater.
Sampath Raj | corporator, DJ Halli
I'M HELPLESS
Corporator Sampath Raj says all dengue patients are being shifted from BBMP hospitals to private and other government hospitals. "I've discussed the issue several times with the medical officer concerned, to issue notices to the BWSSB to divert these lines from entering stormwater drains. Nothing has been done so far. There is no garbage collection in my ward,'' he said.
As part of his initiative, he hands out pamphlets with details of symptoms, prevention methods, treatment and emergency numbers.
toiblr.reporter@timesgroup.com