Expressing concern over spike in the number of cases of viral fevers and vector-borne diseases in various parts of undivided Khammam district, the elected representatives of local bodies belonging to Opposition parties staged a sit-in during Zilla Parishad general body meeting held here on Thursday.
Alleging exploitation of patients by errant private hospitals, the members of the Opposition parties demanded that “health emergency” be declared in the district to tide over what they called an “epidemic-like” situation prevailing in most parts of the district.
Congress MLC P. Sudhakar Reddy raised the issue soon after the commencement of the meeting seeking a detailed discussion on the subject. He took strong objection to the absence of several higher officials concerned at the meeting and insisted that the general body meeting pass a resolution seeking declaration of health emergency in the district.
Several ZPTC members belonging to the Left parties too echoed similar views.
ZP Chairperson G. Kavitha explained the measures taken by the district administration to prevent the spread of viral fevers and other seasonal ailments. She tried to persuade the protesting members, but in vain.
Mr. Sudhakar Reddy staged a walkout from the meeting as a mark of protest. Later, he visited some private hospitals and enquired about the health condition of patients.
Talking to reporters after the visit, Mr. Reddy alleged that the caretaker TRS government had miserably failed to provide even adequate beds in several government health facilities in both Khammam and Bhadradri-Kothagudem districts.
He demanded that the government should ensure all requisite facilities and make arrangements for platelet transfusions to needy patients in the State-run main hospitals.