The step has been taken pre-emptively to prepare the hospitals to tackle a dengue or chikungunya outbreak in the capital. Last year, Delhi had a chikungunya outbreak that affected 7,760 people and in 2015, there was dengue outbreak that affected nearly 16,000 people and killed 60, according to official figures. “The rules that fix the bed strength in hospitals and nursing homes will be relaxed for a period of six months. However, these extra beds can be used to admit only dengue, chikungunya and fever patients and the charges for these beds should not be more than 50% of the cost of their lowest price,” said a health department official. The DGHS has also asked hospitals and nursing homes to not deny treatment or admission to any dengue, chikungunya or fever patient.

Source: Hindustan Times May 17, 2017 13:52 UTC