August 07, 2008	Thursday	Sha’aban 4, 1429

KARACHI, Aug 6: Sindh Health Minister Dr Saghir Ahmed said on Wednesday that some 175 patients with suspected dengue fever have so far been admitted to various hospitals since January.

He said that blood tests of these patients led to confirmation of 23 dengue cases.

Presiding over a meeting at his office, the minister said of the 23 confirmed dengue cases, two died while the rest were discharged after treatment.

Dr Saghir said that, at present, nine dengue patients were admitted to the city’s various hospitals and dengue was confirmed in six cases after their blood tests.

He said such patients are being provided free treatment. This includes free provision of platelets and tests for dengue fever.

Executive district officers of the health department have already been issued directives for providing free treatment facilities in dengue fever cases while civil hospitals in Karachi and Hyderabad have been given focal status for dengue treatment.

Out of six confirmed dengue cases in Karachi, three patients are admitted to Ziauddin Hospital and one patient each is admitted to the Qatar Hospital, the Sindh Government Services Hospital and the Abbasi Shaheed Hospital.

Moreover, three patients with suspected dengue fever are admitted to Kutiyana Hospital whose blood samples have been sent for tests.—APP