Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda has assured the Telangana government of all support by way of logistics and medicines to supplement its efforts to manage the cases of swine flu.
A high-level three-member team is being sent to Telangana to review the situation and give necessary technical guidance to the State.
On Wednesday, Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao spoke to Mr. Nadda and sought immediate help to contain the spread of the virus, which has claimed five lives in the State so far.
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“In view of the reported cases and deaths from H1N1 influenza in Telangana, Mr. Nadda has reviewed the situation with the State Health Secretary. He assured all support to the State,” an official of the Health Ministry said.
The three-member team will leave for Telangana on Wednesday and meet with the State health authorities. They will check availability of medicines and diagnostics, arrangements at hospitals, clustering of cases, surveillance by integrated disease surveillance programme, sufficiency of lab facilities, preventive measures and Information, Education and Communication campaign. The team will submit its report on return.
“The Minister has also directed the officials in the Ministry to be in constant touch with all States to ensure that the situation is under control and to prevent further cases. He has assured that the Central government will keep stock of medicines (Oseltamivir) for about 3,000 patients in addition to a stock of Personal Protective Equipment to meet any sudden requirement by any State government, which has failed to procure the same,” the official said.
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The Health Minister has also reiterated that there is no cause for panic, but health officials should remain on alert and takes necessary precautions to prevent further cases.
High-level 3-member team being sent to the State to review the situation