Hyderabad, August 27, 2024: The recent fever survey conducted by the Directorate of Public Health (DPH) in Telangana during the ongoing viral fever and vector-borne disease season has raised concerns over the accuracy and reliability of the data presented by the health department.
The survey, conducted between July 23 and August 26, reportedly covered 4.40 crore individuals across the state, identifying 2,65,324 cases of fever. However, skepticism surrounds the feasibility of surveying 4.40 crore people within a month, especially given that Telangana’s population is estimated to be between 3.50 crore and 3.80 crore.
Senior health officials familiar with previous fever surveys and Kanti Velugu initiatives have pointed out the logistical challenges of covering such a large number of individuals in just 30 days, even with repeat household visits by healthcare workers.
Additionally, discrepancies have emerged in the fever survey data between August 24 and August 26. On August 26, DPH Dr. B Ravinder Naik stated that the survey covered 1.42 crore households and screened 4.40 crore individuals between July 23 and August 25, identifying 2,65,324 fever cases. However, on August 24, Dr. Naik reported that 3.91 crore individuals were screened from 1.27 crore households between July 23 and August 21, with 2,45,111 fever cases identified.
The rapid increase of approximately 50 lakh individuals screened within just three days, from August 21 to August 26, has raised further doubts about the survey’s credibility.
Efforts to reach DPH Dr. Ravinder Naik for clarification have been unsuccessful.
Fever Survey Data Highlights:
- August 26 (July 23-August 25):
- Households covered: 1,42,78,723
- Individuals screened: 4,40,06,799
- Viral fevers identified: 2,65,324
- August 24 (July 23-August 21):
- Households covered: 1,27,49,028
- Individuals screened: 3,91,72,312
- Viral fevers identified: 2,45,111
