An analysis of the 216 H1N1 deaths in Maharashtra so far this year has revealed that nearly 80% of the fatalities were caused by the delay in patients seeking medical help and private practitioners not being prompt in prescribing H1N1 medication.
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The analysis carried out by the State shows that of the 1,726 patients who have tested positive for H1N1, 50 are on ventilator support in hospitals in the State.
Dr. Sanjeev Kamble, head of the Directorate of Health Services, said that H1N1 medication was prescribed very late to patients despite several awareness campaigns and communication with private practitioners.
He said, “We have been emphasising on the importance of early diagnosis and prompt treatment. A protocol was also drawn and sent to the Indian Medical Association.” The protocol states that oseltamivir, an antiviral medication, should be administered within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms and doctors don’t have to wait for positive test results to start medication.
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Dr. Pradeep Awate, State epidemiologist, said the analysis showed that only 25% to 27% patients received the medication within two days. He said, “The delay is from both sides. Patients waste a lot of time taking self-medication and some doctors suspect other infections and prescribe antibiotics.”
The worst hit
Nearly 80% of the deaths are in the age group of 21 to 55. Experts say this is a cause for concern as working people often ignore symptoms and take over the counter drugs to continue with their jobs.
Around 50% of deaths were caused due to underlying health conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.