Malaria control: Blood slide test made compulsory in state hospitals

JAIPUR: Following the spike in seasonal diseases this month, the health department has made it compulsory for doctors to take blood slide tests to detect any incidence of malaria. In 2015, three persons had died from malaria, putting the department on alert this season and strengthening malaria testing across the state.

Every patient coming to government hospitals with fever is being advised to take the malaria test.

"We are doing it to rule out malaria. If someone does test positive, doctors can immediately start treatment," a senior health department official said.

Over 15,000 patients, suffering from fever, were tested for malaria between September 10 and 20 at various hospitals and dispensaries in Jaipur. "We are not taking any risks. Diagnosis is important for treatment," the official said.

Among all seasonal diseases, including dengue, chikungunya and scrub typhus, malaria is the dreaded of them all.

Across the state, 4,145 persons have already tested positive for malaria following blood slide testing till September 13 in 2016.

For the corresponding period in 2015, 4,631 people had tested positive. While three persons died last year, it has not claimed any lives till September 13 this year.

The official said that they have the facility for blood slide testing up till primary health centres in rural areas. "If a patient comes to a primary health centre or district hospital with fever, we advise them to undergo malaria test. Even existing testing facilities can diagnose malaria falciparum, which can prove fatal if not treated on time," the official said.

According to the national vector-borne disease control programme, there are 2,507 malaria microscopy centres, where blood slide testing cane be done.

Health authorities linked the increase in number of seasonal diseases to poor hygiene. The Jaipur Municipal Corporation (JMC) and the health department are taking measures to prevent the spread of diseases by conducting fogging and anti-larvae activities.