The Health Department of Jharkhand Government is in full alert mode regarding swine flu (H1N1) in the state. Health Minister Dr. Irfan Ansari, while reviewing the swine flu situation across the state on Saturday, has directed all civil surgeons, superintendents/principals of medical colleges and district surveillance officers to exercise special vigilance and ensure continuous monitoring.
Health Minister Irfan Ansari has given instructions to ensure timely identification, investigation, treatment, monitoring of possible cases and a solid system for quick referral if necessary. He said that the state government is completely serious and committed to the safety of health and life of the citizens.
Health Minister Dr. Irfan Ansari clearly said, “The health department is fully alert regarding swine flu. All necessary preparations are being ensured to deal with any possible situation in the state.
The system has been strengthened at every level, from timely identification of suspected patients to testing, treatment and referral, if necessary. It is our resolve that no person will be allowed to die due to swine flu.”
He reviewed the preparations by interacting with senior officials of the health department including Additional Chief Secretary Ajay Kumar and civil surgeons of various districts of the state and gave necessary guidelines.
The Health Minister has directed to make monitoring and reporting of cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) more effective in all districts. He said that probable and serious cases should be identified at the initial level, so that proper medical facilities can be provided to the patients on time.
District surveillance officers have been instructed to continuously monitor the situation of infection and immediately report to the health department as per the need.
The Health Minister has directed to reserve additional 10 beds in all medical college hospitals and sadar hospitals including RIMS, Ranchi.
Along with this, instructions have been given to ensure adequate availability of oxygen in hospitals, adequate stock of essential medicines and medical supplies, testing facilities, preparation of ICU/HDU, availability of trained medical and paramedical teams.
He directed all hospital managements that there should be no shortage of resources at any level in the treatment of potential patients.
The health department has also been instructed to take special precautions at airports, railway stations, bus stands and other major public places in the state. Individuals with symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, cold or respiratory problems will be subjected to clinical assessment as required. As per medical requirement, testing for influenza/H1N1 will be done and appropriate medical facilities will be provided to serious patients immediately.
The Health Minister said that H1N1 is a viral infection of the respiratory system and most patients recover if timely identified and given appropriate medical treatment. Therefore, people do not need to panic, rather they should remain alert and seek timely medical advice when symptoms appear.
He appealed to the common people to avoid self-medication and seek medical advice at the nearest health center or hospital in case of symptoms like fever, cough, sore throat, cold or difficulty in breathing.
Health Minister Dr. Irfan Ansari while appealing to the people of the state said that the Health Department is constantly monitoring the situation. Necessary guidelines have been issued to all concerned officials and health institutions and the entire machinery of the health department has been kept active to deal with any possible situation.
He said, “Jharkhand government is fully committed to protect the health and life of its citizens. All units of the health department are in alert mode and the situation is being constantly monitored. People are appealed to remain alert, take precautions and seek timely medical consultation in case of symptoms.”
The health department is fully prepared. Vigilance, monitoring and prompt treatment are our priority.