Patna: With the monsoon season raising the risk of vector-borne diseases, Bihar’s Health Department has intensified its preparedness against dengue by announcing free vaccination at Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH), identifying 18 hotspots in the state capital, and reserving hospital beds for patients. At the same time, the department has also stepped up surveillance and preparedness against the potential threat of Ebola, despite no cases being reported in India.
PMCH to Launch Free Dengue Vaccination
A dedicated vaccination centre is being set up at PMCH, where a dengue vaccine manufactured in Japan will be administered free of cost.
According to Civil Surgeon Dr. Yogendra Prasad, people aged 4 to 60 years will be eligible to receive the vaccine. The immunisation schedule will include an initial 0.5 ml dose, followed by a booster dose as per the prescribed protocol.
Free dengue testing will also be available at Primary Health Centres (PHCs), community health facilities and district hospitals across Patna.
Dengue Cases Reported Throughout the Year
Patna has been reporting dengue cases since January this year, with an average of eight to ten cases every month. So far in July, 11 dengue cases have been confirmed.
To strengthen the city’s response, the Health Department has declared 18 localities as dengue hotspots, including:
- Bazar Samiti
- Patliputra
- Kankarbagh
- Gardanibagh
- Rajiv Nagar
- Shastri Nagar
- Chamari Chak (Danapur)
- Phulwari Sharif
- Indrapuri
- Kumhrar
- Jakkanpur
- Bhagwat Nagar
- Bhikhna Pahari
- Alamganj
- Bankipur
- Mainpura
- Mahendru
- Transport Nagar
Beds Reserved in Major Hospitals
To ensure prompt treatment during any surge in cases, hospitals have earmarked dedicated beds for dengue patients.
- PMCH: 20 beds
- IGIMS: 10 beds
- AIIMS Patna: 10 beds
- NMCH: 10 beds
Ebola Preparedness Intensified
Separately, the Bihar Health Department has placed healthcare institutions on alert following advisories from the Union Health Ministry regarding Ebola preparedness.
Although no Ebola case has been reported in India, the department has directed all government medical colleges, AIIMS Patna, Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (IGIMS), and district hospitals to submit detailed preparedness reports.
Civil Surgeons across the state have been instructed to provide information on:
- Availability and requirement of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits and body bags.
- Training status of healthcare workers in the proper use and removal of PPE kits.
- Dates of the most recent mock drills.
- Emergency response preparedness at hospitals.
Ebola Symptoms and Prevention
Health officials said Ebola symptoms include sudden high fever, severe headache, extreme weakness, muscle pain and, in severe cases, bleeding from the nose or gums.
Preventive measures include avoiding direct contact with infected individuals, using appropriate PPE while caring for suspected patients, and maintaining regular hand hygiene.
The Health Department has urged residents not to panic, stating that the measures are precautionary and aimed at ensuring the state’s healthcare system remains prepared for any public health emergency.
