Much-hyped mohalla clinic no good in fight against killer dengue

At a time when the hospitals in the capital are flooded with patients suffering from suspected dengue infection, the Aam Aadmi Party government’s much-hyped mohalla clinic has no facility to conduct tests for dengue and platelet counts.

The clinic was inaugurated in July by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal at Peeragarhi in west Delhi for the residents of Peeragarhi relief camp who were devoid of any health facility nearby and had to go to the Sanjay Gandhi hospital or Mahavir hospital in Paschim Vihar.
It was opened with a promise to conduct 50 tests so that the rush and workload in big hospitals can be reduced. The list at the mohalla clinic includes a test for dengue among other tests.

But with the city’s hospitals stretched to the limit as it witnesses mad rush of fever cases, the government’s mohalla clinic has not started the test yet.

Dr Maxen, who was deputed at the clinic two days ago, was unsure about the total number of tests presently being done. He, however, said, “According to his knowledge dengue and platelets tests are currently not being done”.

However, Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain said, “The tests for dengue are not being conducted from the beginning and there is no facility for the same.”

There are no official figures to confirm the number of dengue cases in the Peeragarhi relief camp, but the locals say at least six-seven people had contracted dengue fever till now.

“The suspected dengue pateints are referred to the nearby government dispensery,” said local resident Devinder Kumar Bitto. 

A senior member of Delhi Medical Council said that a pathologist is required to conduct and check the platelet count, but the clinic does not have any till now.

However, other basic tests, which include haemoglobin, sugar, urea, blood pressure, etc are being carried out by the clinic. The locals are happy that a clinic has been established inside their camp and can handle normal fever cases.

“Earlier there was nothing in the name of health facility. We used to walk to the nearest hospitals as the rickshaw charged us Rs 50. The clinic has come as a big relief for us,” said Bitto, who has been residing at the camp since 1990.

“This is the first party which has actually worked for us. A pucca road was also built after the clinic. Now they have promised us more such roads,” Manjeet Singh said.

The residents hope that the clinic will get more equipment and staff. The infrastructure of the clinic, which is housed in a porta-cabin, presently falls short for the huge crowd it receives throughout the day.