Himachal fully prepared to tackle swine flu: Health min

Shimla, Feb 16: Himachal Pradesh Health Minister Kaul Singh Thakur today assured that the state was fully prepared to prevent the spread of swine flu.

As many as 5 out of 32 suspected H1N1 virus cases were found positive for swine flu and have fully recovered after treatment, he said. Reviewing the situation in the wake of spread of the virus in the neighboring states, Thakur said that one more machine would be set up soon in Indira Gandhi Medical College and directions had already been issued to ensure proper functioning of the testing machine at Dr Rajindra Prasad Medical College, Tanda (Kangra).

All heath institutions have been directed to provide immediate treatment and medical aid to the patients with suspected swine flu symptoms.

The Health Minister noted that special arrangements have been made at all famous religious places to check swine flu cases and health institutes in these areas were working round the clock to keep a vigil on suspected cases. Underlining the need for starting a special awareness campaign to educate the masses about the care and prevention from swine flu, Thakur said hoardings would be installed at all major places carrying the message of adopting precautionary measures besides publicizing these through electronic and print media.

Chief Medical Officers and Block Medical Officers have been asked to convene meetings with government and private doctors in their respective areas and also to review the arrangements from time to time, he said. Besides Accredited social health activists (ASHA) workers, representatives of panchayati raj institutions would also be sensitized about symptoms and preventive measures for swine flu. The minister also took stock of the situation of few jaundice cases reported at Taradevi area in Shimla and gave necessary directions to the concerned officers.

PTI