Karachi most affected by dengue in Sindh

SHCC slashes dengue, malaria, CBC test rates

KARACHI:

Dengue cases continue to rise across the province, with the Sindh Health Department's latest report confirming 920 cases so far this year, most of which have been reported from Karachi.

According to the Health Department's data, 276 confirmed dengue cases have been reported across the province this month alone. Karachi remains the most affected with 124 cases reported so far, followed by Hyderabad with 82 cases, Mirpurkhas with 58, Sukkur with nine, Shaheed Benazirabad with two, and Larkana with one case.

Sindh Health Minister Dr Azra Pechuho said that the provincial government has intensified its anti-dengue campaign across the province, with all districts directed to improve fumigation, spraying, and drainage systems.

Test rates slashed

The Sindh Healthcare Commission (SHCC) has announced a significant reduction in prices for dengue, malaria, and CBC tests, from October 21 to December 31, in a move aimed to provide relief to patients and make healthcare more affordable.

The price of the ICT malaria test has been reduced from up to Rs3,050 to Rs600, while the dengue NS1 Ag (ICT/ELISA) test now costs Rs1,100, down from up to Rs4,550. Further, the dengue IgM/Combo test will be available for Rs1,500, reduced from up to Rs4,150, and the CBC with Smear test, including follow-up CBC for dengue cases, will now be available at Rs500, instead of the previous Rs1,250.