Karnataka Assembly Speaker UT Khader has directed the health department in Dakshina Kannada to meet with private hospitals to address exorbitant billing for dengue patients. At a review meeting on Saturday, Khader expressed displeasure upon learning that private hospitals charge around ₹1,600 for a platelet transfusion, while Wenlock District Hospital charges only ₹800. Currently, no government-imposed cap exists on platelet transfusion costs.
Khader emphasized that private hospitals should not charge excessively for dengue treatments, which are also provided by government hospitals. He directed officials to discuss this issue with private hospital management.
Dr. Naveen Chandra Kulal, district vector-borne disease control program officer, reported 23 active dengue cases, including two in ICU, and a total of 345 cases since January 1. In 2023, there were 566 cases.
The Speaker urged health, urban local bodies, and district administration officials to intensify dengue prevention measures such as fogging, larvicide spraying, and public awareness campaigns. Khader also called for strict action against businesses, especially tender coconut sellers, that fail to prevent mosquito breeding, including potential shop closures.
In response to a shortage of lab technicians in public health centers, Khader directed the health department to hire qualified personnel on a three-month contract basis and asked for a report detailing vacancies.
District Commissioner Mullai Muhilan MP announced a plan to involve students in identifying mosquito breeding sites, offering rewards for information while maintaining their anonymity.
A suspected dengue-related death of a 52-year-old man named Yathish from Padnur, Puttur, was also reported. He had been transferred from Bantwal government hospital to a medical college in Deralakatte after a drastic drop in platelet count.