VIJAYAWADA: Asserting that not even a single death took place in the State due to malaria or dengue fevers till date this year, Health Minister Kamineni Srinivas has said that the position of the State in terms of healthcare is better than other states.“Of course, there is outbreak of fevers in different parts of the State due to change in weather. But, there is no need to panic as the government is staying a step ahead by arranging medical camps in those areas where the spread of seasonal diseases is more,’’ he said.

The Interim Government Complex in Velagapudi on Tuesday, the Health Minister said that as per the statistics released by the Union Medical and Health department, Andhra Pradesh  stands a few notches above the other States when it comes to the health condition of people.

He said unlike previous years when the diagnosis for swine flu only happened in Hyderabad, the government set up required medical equipment in all teaching hospitals to diagnose the H1N1.To extend immediate medical treatment to patients, in every teaching hospital, a ward exclusively has been allocated to treat swine flu victims. Five beds in Area Hospitals and three beds in Community Health Centres have been allocated to treat the patients afflicted with swine flu, he added.

Refuting the allegations of corruption in the process of calling tenders for urban health centres, ambulances, diagnostic tests and implementation of Telemedicine, Srinivas said that the government has saved Rs10,000 per month each on 477 ambulances.Earlier, the GVK EMRI, which was maintaining the ambulance services,  used to charge Rs1.42 lakh per vehicle every month and sought the government to enhance the charge to Rs 1.52 lakh per month. But, when the government invited fresh tenders, the same company, which demanded Rs 1.52 lakh for each ambulance, quoted Rs1.32 lakh. But, we gave the contract to another firm which quoted Rs 1.30 lakh, the minister said.