Opposition demands free dengue tests as cases touch 7.1k in Karnataka

BENGALURU: Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka on Sunday alleged that health centres are charging up to Rs 1,000 for a dengue test and demanded the state govt provide it for free.
Talking to media persons after visiting Jayadeva Hospital, Ashoka said, "The state has more than two lakh dengue cases. The govt should pay for the testing. Instead, some health centres are charging up to Rs 1,000 for a test.Considering the various taxes they have imposed, is it not possible for the gov? Free testing would cost the exchequer Rs 10 crore."
As per the statistics of the health department, Karnataka has recorded 7,165 dengue positive cases since Jan, with the BBMP area accounting for the largest number - 1,988.
On Sunday, the state reported 159 fresh dengue infection cases.
Ashoka reiterated his party's demand that dengue be declared a medical emergency. He also blamed govt apathy, saying, "There are heaps of garbage everywhere as well as water stagnation due to rain."
He asked MLAs and ministers to visit hospitals and give people courage. "People are worried about their fate after the BBMP chief commissioner himself was down with dengue. Meetings will not yield results; more budget should be allocated for these aspects," he added.
RDPR minister Priyank Kharge on Sunday directed all gram panchayats in the state to take precautionary measures to control dengue cases and to clean water tanks every week. "Property owners should be told to take measures against water and garbage accumulation on their vacant plots. If owners fail to do so, fines will be imposed," said Kharge, calling on gram panchayat members, health officials, self-help groups, anganwadi workers and schools to collaborate on dengue awareness.