New Delhi, Oct 24: Warning private hospitals against overcharging and prescribing platelet transfusion to dengue patients who do not need it, Delhi government today said stern action would be initiated against those found guilty of indulging in such a practice. "There have been reports that some private hospitals have been taking more money for platelets and advising platelet transfusion even for those who do not need it," Delhi Chief Minister Shiela Dikshit told reporters here at a joint press conference with Union Health Minister Sushma Swaraj.

Delhi government had a meeting with private hospitals yesterday and they were asked not to indulge in such a practice. Strong action would be initiated against hospitals, who indulge in such activities, she said.

It is wrong to presume that all dengue patients need platelet transfusion, she said. A patient needs the transfusion only when platelet count falls below 30,000 and is accompanied by bleeding.

Bureau Report