Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Dr. T. Rajaiah has appealed people not to panic about swine flu as the disease is curable and quality medicines are available for treatment. He stated that swine flu tests conducted so far have confirmed only five positive cases and they have succumbed to the disease.
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Dr. Rajaiah, who is also the Health Minister, told newspersons here on Monday that the government had conducted swine flu virus detection tests on 347 patients with the suspected symptoms and 141 of them were still under the treatment.
He ordered for a probe into the reported death of child at Warangal on Sunday, who allegedly died after getting the polio drops administered. The minister, however, stated that no child had died due to polio drops during the last 15 years and the inquiry into the Warangal incident would bring out the actual cause of death. He assured stern action against those responsible, if any mistake was committed on part of the government staff.
The minister stated that pulse polio immunisation drive would continue on Monday with the Health Department staff visiting door-to-door to administer the vaccine drops to children who were left uncovered on Sunday. Another round of the polio vaccine drops administration would be taken up on February 22.
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Responding to a question on the alleged irregularities in the appointments on outsourcing basis in the Health Department, Dr. Rajaiah clarified that not a single post had been filled yet and there was no scope for any irregularities as appointments would be based on marks, reservation, nativity and experience. Action would be taken in case any corrupt practices were noticed in the process, he assured.
On complaints against the Director of Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS), the minister refused to comment stating that the issue was in the court.