Madikeri: Parents in Somwarpet have raised concern over a rise in chickenpox cases among children and have demanded the immediate appointment of a permanent paediatric specialist at the Somwarpet govt hospital. With summer intensifying, the infection is reportedly spreading quickly. More than 30 students at a private school in Somwarpet have been affected, forcing the postponement of exams for a few days, a parent said.Yogendra, a parent, alleged that when he took his son with chickenpox to the hospital, the doctor on duty prescribed only two tablets for fever and pain relief. He said his child received better care at a private clinic, but added that such treatment is financially burdensome for many families. Ramesh of Karkalli village said poor families cannot afford to spend thousands of rupees at private clinics and hospitals.Residents said the main issue is the absence of a full-time paediatrician at the Somwarpet govt hospital. Though the hospital has substantial infrastructure, they said key specialists are missing. Paediatricians reportedly visit from Madikeri only once a week, on Mondays, and are available only until 3pm. Parents questioned how sick children can wait for days for specialist care and urged MLA Manthar Gowda to intervene to ensure the immediate deputation of a permanent paediatric specialist.Locals also pointed to shortages of anaesthesiologists and radiologists, saying patients are often forced to seek treatment at private hospitals, district hospitals or facilities outside the taluk even for minor ailments.Hospital administrative medical officer Dr Jameer Ahmed said appropriate treatment for chickenpox is available at the govt hospital. Treatment differs for adults and children, and high doses and antibiotics are not routinely prescribed, he said. Patients generally recover within two weeks, and marks may fade within six months.
