Centre reviews plan to tackle H1N1 flu

After having struggled hard with the recent dengue outbreak, the government, it seems, is in no mood to take chances. The nip in the weather has had the Union health ministry at its toes and with the weather turning conducive for H1N1 flu, preparations are in full swing to keep the deadly flu under control.

While, parts of the country have started reporting cases, majority of swine flu cases have been reported from Mumbai’s Malegaon and Bhiwandi.

Significantly, to keep things under control, the government has initiated the process of procurement Oseltamivir tablets and syrups. Around 10,000 PPE kits and 5,000 N95 masks are already being procured. For quick testing, the government is also in the process of procuring 15,000 diagnostic kits for the laboratories.

At a recent high-level meeting, which was held to review the preparedness for tackling seasonal influenza (H1N1), Union health minister J.P. Nadda had issued necessary directions for procurement, training, issuing advisories and guidelines for the state governments. “We are monitoring the situation on real time basis. A control room has already been set up and is fully functional now. We have also rolled out a nationwide campaign on H1N1,” he said.

The ministry has already issued three advisories to the state governments over the last one month and also held a video conference with them to review their strategy and plans. “There is sufficient stock of drugs, testing kits and masks. We have also received information on logistics from 18 states. I am monitoring the situation closely,” added Mr Nadda.

Around 7,000 diagnostic kits have already been distributed among various government laboratories. Revised vaccination and clinical management guidelines have also been issued to the state governments. The hospitals have also been alerted to isolate beds for patients.