New Delhi, Feb 04, 2015: Health Secretary Shri B P Sharma reviewed preparedness of the states affected with H1N1 to manage the situation, here today. The Health Secretary held a video conference meeting with senior health officials of states of Telangana, Kerala, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh, and with officials of government of Delhi.
The situation was reviewed in terms of the adequacy of medicines and personal protective equipment such as masks with the state health departments, along with number of adequately equipped and functioning isolation wards. The review also included the training provided to the doctors, rapid response teams and para-medical staff at various district and other government hospitals, in addition to the IEC campaigns mounted to create awareness among the masses regarding the preventive steps to be taken.
The states have reported adequate stock of Tamiflu medicine along with syrup for children, and personal protective equipment. Some have requested for additional supply personal protective equipment to augment their existing stock. The requisitioned quantity is being provided to the states immediately. States have also reported sufficiency of testing facilities and training of the rapid response teams that have been stationed at the district and block levels. Control rooms are functional in all states at the capital and at district levels in some. Various initiatives have been taken to create awareness among the masses as part of the IEC campaigns, the states reported, including engagement at the community level through inter-personal communication.
The states have been advised to ensure all necessary steps are taken to prevent increase in number of casualty by informing the people to approach the public health facilities in time for effective treatment, and to educate them on ways to prevent it. The Centre is closely monitoring the situation in the states and has assured them all assistance in terms of medicine, testing kits, personal protective equipment etc. Central teams have been sent to Telangana, Rajasthan and Gujarat to assess the situation and help them to manage the cases.CCI Newswire
