New Delhi, Aug 1 :The Delhi government on Monday directed all hospitals to increase the number of beds for dengue patients from 10-20 per cent and urged them not to deny admission to any patient with fever or who is suffering from this disease.

\"Delhi government has directed all hospitals and nursing homes (including privates) to increase their bed strength up to 10 to 20 per cent for a period of three months, as part of the preparation to effectively deal with dengue cases,\" a statement said.

A dedicated dengue control cell has already been functioning at the Directorate General of Health Services to conduct dengue related measures, it said, adding that the government aimed to increase the number of dedicated fever clinics from 55 last year to 355.

\"Any hospital or lab which charges more than the fixed ceiling price for dengue testing and platelet count will face action,\" it said.

\"The hospitals have been advised to have \'fever corners\' which will function at all hours. The staff at these clinics have been sensitised about prevention and treatment of dengue,\" it said.

The sale of drugs like Aspirin, Ibuprofen and Diclofenac group of medicines which cause destruction of platelets in human blood, was also restricted in the national capital.

These drugs will be sold strictly against prescription by a registered medical practitioner, the health department said.

As part of awareness campaign, schools and colleges will also be roped in to spread awareness about the disease.

Hospitals to increase beds for dengue patients