Dengue tests

TT, Siliguri, Oct. 26: The cost of conducting dengue tests, NS 1 and Mac Elisa, at private clinics and labs here has been slashed to half and one can get them done for Rs 500 now.

The decision was taken today at a meeting attended by health officials of Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri districts, representatives of private nursing homes and pathological labs.

“The tests are done for free at NBMCH and Siliguri district hospital. Private clinics and labs charge around Rs 1,000. We had proposed that the rate be Rs 500,” Asit Biswas, the chief medical officer of health, Darjeeling, said. “Since January, 35 dengue cases have been detected. All have been treated. No deaths were reported. Not a single patient with dengue is at NBMCH or Siliguri hospital.” He said on November 10, a workshop would be held. “We will get experts of dengue and other vector-borne diseases.”