Dhaka: 'Help desks' have been opened at all government hospitals to tackle mosquito-borne Chikungunya which has turned into a matter of great concern for all.

Help desks were opened at the hospitals on Monday following the directives of Health Minister Mohammad Nasim, Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) Dr Abul Kalam Azad told UNB.

Azad said he conveyed the directives to the directors of government hospitals, divisional directors and civil surgeons through a videoconference from an emerging meeting of the DGHS on Sunday. "And the directives were implemented today."

He said steps will be taken to open a 'joint pain clinic' or 'arthralgia clinic' at every government hospital to provide treatment for the joint pain of the Chikungunya-affected people. "Advices will be given to the patients about physiotherapy and medicine as per their need," the DGHS DG said.

Meanwhile, State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Zahid Maleque said although there is a large outbreak of Chikungunya, it has not turned epidemic.

Addressing a press briefing at the Health Ministry on the occasion of the World Population Day, he said they were working with the authorities concerned to kill mosquitoes.