Minister inspects facilities at ICH as fever cases on rise

Speaking to the media, he said, it is important that all hospitals follow the protocols of the World Health Organisation (WHO), which mandates that injection should not be administered to fever cases and medicines should not be taken with a prescription. “We have instructed all pharmacies to refrain from selling medicines to persons with prescriptions,” he said.

Urging parents to bring their children to the hospital at the earliest, he said, “Two major signs to be looked into are puffiness of the face and a sense of tiredness. If you notice this in your children, get them checked immediately. The government is taking several steps to prevent an outbreak. However, it is important that the public takes instructions seriously.”

While dengue and other fevers are found to be affecting more children than adults, especially in Chennai, Tiruvallur and Kancheepuram, health officials have been paying more attention to these districts. “We have been urging parents to admit cases of fevers that last for three days or more. To ensure your child is strong, feed them rice porridge or give them salt water or tender coconut water,” he said. Once cases are identified, a blood test is taken, and necessary treatment is provided. “Fever wards have been instructed to keep adequate supply of medicines. 

Besides, they have also been instructed to provide cases with ORS, kanji (Podrige) and Nilavembu Kudineer. It is important for the public to take steps to prevent breeding of the mosquitoes,” he added.

It may be noted that ICH has 242 fever cases and 63 cases of dengue.