Maharashtra Govt may allow private hospitals to treat Swine Flu patients

Mumbai, Aug.9 (ANI): Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan on Sunday said that his Government was considering a proposal to allow private hospitals fulfilling Government guidelines to treat swine flu cases.

Chavan on Sunday convened a five-hour-long high-level meeting on the Swine Flu situation in the State, which has seen three of the four H1N1 deaths recorded in the country.

Interacting with the mediamen, Chavan said: "A decision on the issue would be taken in two days after a meeting with private hospital managements."

"Those private hospitals who are willing to set up isolated wards and follow Government of India's guidelines would be considered," he added.

There are, however, no restrictions on private doctors examining suspected cases, Chavan said.

Chavan said people should wear masks in public place.

A doctor should send suspected cases to screening centres, which would take throat swab to get it tested for swine flu, the CM added.

Chavan asked people to restrict movement at public places. He, however, announced that it would be up to school managements to decide on closing the school in view of the swine flu.

Meanwhile, a meeting of all Ganesh mandals and Dahihandi mandals would be convened on Monday to discuss ways of minimising spread of swine flu. It is because hundreds of thousands of people throng the streets during Ganeshotsav and Dahihandi celebrations. (ANI)