Increasing dengue cases, HC questions State govt. on lack of preventive measures 

Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court pulled up the State Government for not taking effective measures to contain and prevent dengue cases in the state and commented that the statements made by authorities about taking effective steps to prevent dengue cases is not reflected on the ground.

The Division Bench comprising of Chief Justice Raghavendra Singh Chauhan and Justice A. Abhishek Reddy questioned Advocate General B.S.Prasad that if steps are being taken on a war footing by the administration, then how come dengue cases are increasing by the day in the state. It gave a direction that the Government should ensure, within a month, that there is no trace of dengue in Hyderabad and other areas in the state, by taking concrete measures.

The Bench was hearing the Public Interest Litigation petition filed seeking a direction to the Government to act to prevent dengue cases in the state. The bench wondered as to how a mere 150 portable fogging machines with GHMC would suffice in a city as big as Hyderabad. It suggested the use of drone technology in dengue control measures and also the widespread use of print and electronic media to spread awareness among the people in taking preventive steps.

Since the platelet count goes down among the affected patients, necessitating the need for blood transfusion, the Bench asked the AG whether there is coordination between blood banks and hospitals in meeting the demand for blood. The AG informed the Bench that there are a total of 22 blood banks in the state and they are in a position to cater to the requirements. The Bench posted the case to October 23rd for further hearing.