Doctors stung by dengue menace

More than 40 physicians test positive

The appropriate analogy would be that of the hunter becoming the hunted. After several residents at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) tested positive for dengue, now several cases have been reported from Lady Hardinge Medical College.

More than 40 doctors here have been diagnosed with the vector-borne disease, while 40-45 cases have been reported from the AIIMS campus. Sources say that the number includes many MBBS students and resident doctors

"20 to 30 MBBS students and around 5 to 10 resident doctors are suffering from dengue," a source at Lady Hardinge said. Students too are worried about the fact. "We have to be really cautious as there are many students in the hostel suffering from dengue", said Payal Gupta, a second year student at Lady Hardinge Medical College.

Apparently, Shivaji Stadium which is situated opposite the College was getting renovated for the Commonwealth Games. But, the stadium has now been excluded from the list of venues for the Games.

"The area is completely dug up and may be this is the reason it has become grounds for mosquito breeding", said Rashmi Seth, a third year student.

MiD DAY tried to contact Dr G K Sharma, Director, Lady Hardinge Medical College. But he did not respond to any of the calls or messages.

"Even though the number of cases continues to rise, neither the director nor any senior official came to meet the students or the doctors," a third year student said on condition of anonymity.
Meanwhile, the city has reported 1081 cases of dengue so far with 67 fresh cases. The data released by MCD shows only 11 cases in central Delhi.

As per sources, the actual figures of dengue patients are being fudged at Lady Hardinge Medical College too.

WRITING OFF

Commonwealth Games Federation CEO Mike Hooper on Thursday denied issuing any advisory to participating CWG countries about a possible outbreak of dengue in the city and said he merely sent a report on the basis of what CGF Chief Michael Fennell observed during his visit last month. "We have not issued any kind of advisory to Commonwealth countries regarding dengue disease in the capital.

I have also not written to the Organising Committee. It was just a report which has been sent to participating nations on the basis of Mr Fennell's recent visits to the stadiums," Hooper said.

Source: http://www.mid-day.com/