Lab staff crunch delays dengue detection

Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 30

The number of persons seeking reports or awaiting their turn for blood test at the pathology laboratory of the Government Doon Medical College and Hospital has risen sharply due to the soaring dengue cases in the state.

The hospital has been designated as the confirmatory test centre for dengue. As a result, there has not been any let-up in the steady stream of patients.

However, the pathology laboratory continues to be beset with staff shortage despite repeated pleas by the Chief Medical Superintendent of the hospital.

“Not a day goes when patients and their relatives do not fight for their turns. Some try to push, while others try to move forward of those ahead of them,” said harried laboratory technicians.

Though the hospital authorities have set up separate queues for male and female patients, there is no end to confusion and chaos.

Due to the rise in dengue cases, even OPDs are swarming with patients, all eager to get themselves examined. “The slightest symptom of fatigue is making people of Dehradun nervous. We have to handle them with care, as the fear of dengue is such,” said Dr KK Tamta, Chief Medical Superintendent, Doon Hospital.

Doctors say the number of dengue cases may subside in the coming days as the virus may weaken.