JHAPA, Oct 23: A month ago, only a few cases of dengue were recorded in Jhapa district. However, the disease is spreading like an epidemic in the district in the recent days.
The District Public Health Office (DPHO) and local authorities had organized campaigns to control the spread of the disease but the risk has increased further.
Everyday, a large number of patients coming to health posts for check-ups are diagnosed with dengue. The disease is steadily increasing in various parts of Jhapa, especially in Birtamode.
Govt ignoring fast-spreading dengue fever
As per the details provided by the DPHO, Jhapa, as many as 52 people have been infected with dengue. But the figure provided by the government office does not match with the reports of the private hospitals. Hundreds of patients suffering with the disease are languishing in various hospitals of the district.
As per the record of B and C Hospital of Birtamode, 120 patients were found infected with dengue in the last two months.
Similar number of patients were recorded at other hospitals of Birtamode like Birta City, Kankai, Manmohan, Kanchanjunga, Medica among others.
Even after knowing that the infection is spreading rampantly across the district, the DPHO and Birtamode Municipality is doing nothing much citing financial crunch.
According to Kul Bahadur Poudel, focal person of the DPHO, there isn't sufficient budget in the district due to which no effective measures could be taken to control the rapid spread of dengue. He has urged the locals not to panic as dengue is a common disease.
Few days ago, an inspection was conducted in various garages of Birtamode under the leadership of Mayor Dhruba Siwakoti. During the inspection, the mayor had instructed to remove old and filthy tires but his instructions fell into deaf ears.
A large number of patients rush to India after finding out they have been infected with dengue. According to Dr Kishor Kumar of B and C Hospital, patient do not need to go to India for treatment as it is possible within the country.
The DPHO, Jhapa informed that hospitals and health institutions like Damak Hospital, Surunga Primary Treatment Centre, Anarmani Health Post, Dhulabari Primary Treatment Centre and Kankadvitta Health Post are providing free treatment for dengue.
