Chandigarh, Sep 12 (IANS): Haryana on Saturday said it became the first in the northern region to start free single-donor platelets facility for dengue patients in the state that saw just 33 cases this month.

The dengue test is being done free of cost in government laboratories.

Additional Chief Secretary (Health) Rajeev Arora said there has been a declining trend of dengue since 2017. So far, only 33 confirmed dengue cases have been reported in the state in September.

The cases have been reported in Gurugram (20) and Bhiwani (10) districts alone.

He said with an aim to prevent mortality due to dengue, a new initiative i.e. the provision of free single-donor platelets has been launched in government hospitals as dengue patients with severe thrombocytopenia requires single donor platelets for immediate recovery.

"Earlier, Rs 8,500 per unit of single donor platelets was charged in government hospitals. Now, the single donor platelets facility (platelets apheresis machine) is available in Gurugram, Panchkula, Karnal, Rohtak and Sonipat districts," he said.

He said the dengue test is being done free of cost in government laboratories.

"In all 27 dengue testing labs are functional in the state. In addition, dengue sampling has also started at flu corners for suspected dengue cases in Bhiwani and Rohtak districts as mostly cases are reported from there," Arora said.