Few takers for cell-separator machines at civil hospital

LUDHIANA: The onslaught of dengue continues in the district as the private hospitals have 100 % occupancy and the cell-separator machines are working 24 hours. But there are only a few takers for the machine installed at civil hospital. The machine is used for platelet cells, haemoglobin, TLC, DLC and other haematology tests.
Sources said the health department has confirmed 177 dengue cases in the district this year till now, out of which 71 are from the city.But the private hospital tally has crossed 450 cases. The health department relies only on ELISA positive reports to confirm dengue.
Only 15 units of blood have been given in civil hospital in the past two months. However, in private hospitals at least 100 units of Sdp (single donor platelets) have been transfused. One unit of blood costs Rs 6,800 and separating a component another Rs 300 in civil hospital, while the charges are Rs 12,000-15,000 in private hospitals.
Providing reasons for the few takers of cell separator at the civil hospital, an employee said said most of the patients arriving here are unaware about the cell count machine. Moreover, the authorities too have not publicized the treatment available.
Meanwhile, the device that was replaced after many complaints around two months ago at the civil hospital has not been in working condition since the past two days.
Deputy medical commissioner Arun Handa said the hospital would install the boards about the tests available.
In 2008, the city had the maximum number of dengue cases. More than 4,000 cases and 15 deaths were reported from the state, out of which 3,000 cases and 10 deaths were from the district.