New Delhi: Chikungunya now a notifiable disease

 In an order issued, Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain said: "In light of the prevailing chikungunya outbreak, it is directed that the issue of notifying chikungunya as dangerous/notifiable disease, be immediately taken up with the concerned local bodies for the issuance of such notification immediately."

"It should be done on priority to ensure that every hospital, nursing home, laboratory shall furnish the data of chikungunya patients to the concerned government agencies. This is imperative for monitoring the situation and to take requisite remedial action," Jain said in the order.

Meanwhile, in another order Jain said that due to dengue and chikungunya outbreak, all the 'mohalla clinics', polyclinics and dispensaries will remain open on all days including Sundays and Gazetted holidays during their working hours till October 30.

Delhi has so far witnessed deaths of 32 patients due to the vector-borne diseases.