Health Minister asks Centre, State Govts to be prepared to tackle swine flu
New Delhi: Health Minister J P Nadda on Monday directed officials of both central and state governments to stock up on necessary armamentarium to tackle cases of Swine Flu, while reassuring that there was no need to panic.
Nadda, who chaired an high-level meeting here to review preparedness and action taken to deal with H1N1 flu virus cases, directed officials to ensure that states have adequate quantity of personal protective equipment for health care workers as well as necessary diagnostic facilities.
"The Health Minister stated that while there is no cause to panic, the central and state governments should be well prepared. He directed the central and states government to stock up on emergency requirements of medicine Oseltamivir, even though the centre and states have procured the same for their respective use.
"The Health Minister emphasised on the states having adequate quantity of personal protective equipment for health care workers as also diagnostic facilities required for testing H1N1 samples should be ensured," an official statement said.
Senior officials of Health and Family Welfare department, health research, AIIMS, Safdurjung hospital, RML hospital, NCDC and officials of Governments of Delhi and Ghaziabad were present during the meeting.
"The Health Minister has advised that the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) network should continue comprehensive and prompt reporting so that the districts or states requiring more attention can be identified," the statement said.
After two fresh cases of Swine Flu been reported recently in the national capital, the total figure has risen to five cases this year, while the total figure is 43 since 2014.
Nadda said that seasonal influenza cases are reported every year between January to March and decline immediately after the winter season is over, while the bout of H1N1 during this period is that of seasonal influenza.
He also advised the general public to take necessary precautions such as covering mouth while coughing and sneezing, washing hands and avoid coming in touch with anyone who is exhibiting symptoms of the flu virus.
H1N1, a flu virus and also called swine flu, can have symptoms like fever, coryza, cough, sore throat and body aches. It may last for one-two weeks. However, occasionally, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and rash may also occur.
