Hyderabad rain: Governmentt issues health alert to all state hospitals

HYDERABAD: The health department on Thursday issued an alert to all state-run hospitals asking them to remain in a state of readiness given the chances of spread of communicable diseases in the aftermath of incessant rains lashing the city.
Health minister Dr C Laxma Reddy issued a circular to this effect to all government-run hospitals in the state.He asked doctors to strictly follow hospital timings, and those manning out-patient counters to remain at their designated duty spots.
"There are chances of communicable diseases spreading. Hence, hospitals must stock up on essential medicines immediately," he said. Experts have warned people, especially young, old and those with co-morbid conditions, to maintain caution as heavy rains with water-logged conditions are known to see higher incidence of typhoid, food poisoning, viral fever, jaundice and diarrhoea cases.
The spectre of an outbreak of gastrointestinal diseases also loomed if effective steps were not taken to prevent contamination of drinking water due to possible pipeline leakages. "It is advisable to boil water if one has doubt over its quality. Similarly, stale food must by avoided at all cost as flies are carriers of various diseases in damp and humid conditions," said Dr K Shankar, superintendent, Fever Hospital.
Anticipating a rush of patients due to a spurt in seasonal diseases, Fever Hospital has increased the number OP counters and extended timings from the earlier 9 am to 12 noon to 9 am to 4 pm now.