CAG orders audit of steps to deal with dengue in Delhi

Alarmed by spurt in dengue cases in the capital, Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) Shashi Kant Sharma has ordered audit of the preparedness of the Delhi government and local authorities to deal with mosquito menace.

The CAG audit, according to sources, will scrutinise the preventive steps which had been taken by the Delhi government and civic authorities -- the New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) -- to deal with mosquito-borne diseases.

The dengue outbreak this year has already claimed nearly 28 lives and there were reports that several patients were turned away from hospitals because of lack of facilities.

The CAG audit, sources said, will also look into initiatives with regard to cleanliness, sanitation, fumigation, maintenance of drains and manholes.

Among other things, the audit will scrutinise preparedness of hospitals and dispensaries for diagnosis and treatment of mosquito-borne diseases and training of staff.

Besides, it will also try to find out whether instructions given to private hospitals with regard to treatment of poor patents are being followed. The private hospitals were given land at concessional rates by the Delhi government on the condition that they will provide medical facilities to the poor patient free or at subsidised rates.