Doctors and officials at the Thane Municipal Corporation-run hospital expect H1NI cases to double this month.
Since March, the H1N1 death toll has gone up to 14, with 12 victims being women. The first case was recorded in March when a woman who returned from Lonavla showed symptoms of H1N1 and died after being admitted to Sapphire Hospital in Thane. No deaths were recorded in April, but one death was reported in May and seven in June. Additional Municipal Commissioner of Thane Sameer Unhale is also contracted the virus and has been on sick leave since July 18.
A matter of concern for the TMC is that vaccinations against the disease have still not started. In June, 147 cases were reported. TMC’s Chief Health Officer Dr. Ramrao Kendra said, “We have been in touch with the Divisional Office of the Health Department and have requested that vaccines be provided. However, we have not received quotations for them.”
Private hospitals often sell overpriced vaccines taking advantage of the rising demand. “The MRP for the vaccine is ₹810, the governmental vaccine price ranges between ₹250 and ₹260, but they are not in stock,” said Dr. Rani Shinde, Reproductive, Child Health and City Tuberculosis Officer.
Doctors at Jupiter Hospital, where a majority of patients have been admitted, said emphasised on the importance of taking basic precautions and eating healthy food to fight infections.
Dr. Amit A. Saraf, Consultant Physician at Jupiter Hospital, said, “Panic spreads when the death toll increases, but 99% of patients walk out alive. Hundreds have been saved, and these numbers contribute to peace and comfort in society. If you take away the fear factor, facing this problem becomes easier task.”
Dr. Dhanashri Atre Singh, Consultant Physician, Jupiter Hospital, said, “I am in favour of vaccinations for all employees of hospitals and other vulnerable sections. Vaccinations protect people in 60% to 70% of cases on average. It takes four to six weeks to make a person immune to the virus.”
The patients have to bear their own costs and are divided into three categories: C1 – Mild, C1 – Moderate and C3 – Severe. In the severe stage, lung ventilation is administered. “Once the monsoon begins, we spread information about the necessity to use clean water and adopt proper sanitary measures,” said Sandeep Malvi, Public Relation Officer, TMC.
“We have distributed leaflets and guidelines to all 363 hospitals in Thane. Posters, audio and video material were distributed as well. The local media were involved to spread the message,” Dr. Kendre said.
