The Palike has rehashed the proposal in 2013, with the BBMP Health Department making a proposal recently to the Commissioner asking him to set up the dengue testing central laboratory. This has been brought about by the increasing number of dengue positive cases from across the State, with the BBMP topping the list and registering the highest number of dengue positive cases since January 2013. 

 

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle about the Central Laboratory, Dr S.B Nagaraj, Chief Health Officer, BBMP, said, “We have sent a proposal to the former Commissioner about the laboratory and also received his consent. We have already had a preliminary round of meetings with the Health Secretary, the lab will definitely be set up this year.”

 

When asked about the need for a Central laboratory in the city, he said, “We have been sending blood samples to National Institute of Virology, Victoria Hospital, NIMHANS and Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health.

 

Setting up a Central Laboratory for the BBMP area would reduce the burden on these hospitals and will also ensure that results are in quickly, so that appropriate treatment reaches patients early.” 

 

Dr Nagraj admitted that a proposal had been made in 2012. "Due to certain factors including budget constraints and the changing of unit heads, we were unable to see the project through. However, we are a hundred percent sure that the Laboratory will be set up in 2013. Now that the National Urban Health Mission (NUHM) has also become a reality, we can get funds from this project." 

 

Dr Dhanyakumar, Director, Health and Family Welfare Department, said on Friday that the State  has registered a total of 1066 dengue positive cases, with three deaths from across the State. He stressed that the State has a good number of dengue testing facilities.