With dengue and swine flu continuing their rampage in the city, students at Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) have raised concerns over the state of readiness of the varsity’s health centre to cope with these diseases.
Students have written to SPPU officials regarding taking preventive measures and ensuring that vaccinations are available in case of emergency. There has been a rise in the number of students affected by viral infections by around 20 or 30 per cent, and students say that the health centre should make the medications available in case of emergency.
Satish Pawar, a post-graduate student from the commerce department, said, “There has been a definite rise in cases of viral infections and most students on campus are down with something or the other.
The health centre is a support system for primary treatment and has an outpatient department, but we hardly see any emergency or specialised ones. Thus, we have demanded that it should have the required vaccinations and care for swine flu and dengue.”
Students confirmed that they have been demanding an upgradation of the health centre for a while as they are still forced to go out and spend on specialised treatment when needed. Santosh Dongre from the skill development department, added, “We heard that the varsity’s health centre will be tying up with a private hospital four months ago. But there was no update. With the city in the throes of infection, we feel that all facilities should be available on campus.”
While SPPU health officer, Dr Shashikant Dudhgaonkar, accepted the fact that there has been a rise in the number of students coming to the OPD due to viral infections, he confirmed that the centre takes responsibility for students in emergencies.
“I have noticed an increase in viral infections over the last few days. We have an ambulance on standby and we take students to hospital in case of emergency. There are also two doctors who are available at any time. The process of upgrading the health centre is also on,” he said.
