Chief Secretary Anthony DeSa reviewed the latest situation of swine flu control at Mantralaya on Wednesday. A coordination committee constituted by the State Government is reviewing disease control efforts daily. Principal Secretary Health Praveer Krishna, Principal Secretary Medical Education Ajay Tirkey and concerning officers attended the meeting.
It was informed that efforts to control disease have been made on a war-footing basis in the State and still continue. All necessary medicines, masks, protection kits, etc have been made available in adequate quantity at the State level. Central Government is extending maximum cooperation. As many as 142 patients have returned home after recovering fully from various hospitals. At present, 390 patients are admitted. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan made arrangements for providing benefit of Discretionary Fund for treatment of poor patients in private hospitals.
The Chief Secretary apprised himself of swine flu treatment activities at district level also. Principal Secretary Praveer Krishna informed that about 7,000 doctors and about one lakh Government servants of Medical and Health departments are also creating public awareness from State capital to village level. As many as 100 officers have been sent on tours to districts to inspect treatment arrangements. Review is being done daily.
Necessary vaccines have been administered to doctors and other staff for personal health safety. Advice has been given to use masks. These directives are being complied with. The meeting also discussed importance of starting treatment as soon as disease symptoms appear. This message has been conveyed to people through various mediums. Any person with symptoms of cold, flu, cough and sore throat should reach nearest government or identified private hospital for treatment.
Delay in reaching hospitals has resulted in deaths so far. No such case came to light in which delay was on the part of hospital. Treatment has proved to be life saver in the cases where patients and their attendants have adopted personal safety measures. People have been advised to avoid visiting crowded areas.