Karnataka Battles Dengue Surge: Government Faces Criticism

Karnataka Medical Education Minister visits GIMS hospital amid rising dengue cases. BJP criticizes the state government's handling of the situation. Over 7000 cases reported; Karnataka Health Minister outlines measures to control the spread.

Amid a surge in dengue cases, Karnataka Medical Education Minister Sharan Prakash Patil visited the Gulbarga Institute of Medical Sciences Hospital on Thursday, asserting that the "situation is under control." Patil noted that separate wards have been established and only four in-patient cases currently exist. "Nineteen cases have been reported, but most are treated in OPD," he stated.

However, Karnataka BJP President BY Vijayendra launched a critique against the state government's response to the outbreak. Vijayendra accused the administration of negligence and promised to bring up the issue in the Assembly. "The government is not at all bothered; even the concerned minister is in Bengaluru and not touring the state," he remarked. He highlighted the death of a nine-month-old baby due to dengue in his constituency as an alarming concern.

Vijayendra further criticized Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, alleging his focus on real estate over state development. "The Congress government has neglected development works, and now DK Shivakumar is talking about renaming Ramanagara district. Entire Karnataka knows he is interested only in real estate," he accused.

With over 7000 reported dengue cases, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has directed officials to eliminate mosquito breeding sites and reserve 10 beds for dengue patients in each hospital ward. Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao emphasized the government's full-time efforts to monitor and control the situation. "We have mobilized Asha workers and volunteers for house-to-house checks. Controlling mosquito spread and preventing deaths are our main objectives," he said.

(With inputs from agencies.)