As swine flu continues to affect the people in and around Hyderabad and 50 more positive cases were recorded, the endemic was likely to claim another victim in the State Health Minister and Deputy Chief Minister Rajaiah. Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao who has publicly expressed his displeasure over the mishandling of the swine flu situation over the last one month, was planning to replace Rajaiah, sources said.
Apart from the fact that Health department under him failed to respond quickly to the situation, the CM was also unhappy with his deputy over some alleged instance of corruption and irregularities involving officials of the department.
If Rajaiah goes, he will be second high-profile official to fall victim and lose his post. Earlier, the State Government sacked State Director of Health Services R Sambasiva Rao due to his inept handling.
Sources said that the CM was unhappy that the outbreak of swine flu had hurt the efforts of his Government to build the brand image of Hyderabad city. “The Chief Minister has also received complaints regarding many irregularities in some of the recruitments and purchases of the Health department. The action was being contemplated against the Minister only after the CM got the irrefutable evidence”.
Meanwhile, the Government on Saturday started a special telephone line to the people with the suspected cases of swine flu. Dr Narendranath, director, Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences told the reporters in Hyderabad that people can contact Toll free No. 104 to seek guidance and help if any body develops the symptoms of swine flu.