Further to the video conference held by the Health Secretary B P Sharma three days ago to review the preparedness of the states affected with H1N1 to manage the situation, a video conference was held on Friday by the Addl. Secretary (Health) Dr Arun K. Panda with senior health officials of states of Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Telangana, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, Tamil Nadu and Odisha.
The situation was reviewed in terms of adequacy of isolation wards, medicines, personal protective equipment (PPE) and consumables such as masks. The institutional preparedness of the states regarding sufficiency of testing labs and testing kits was also reviewed along with the measures taken to spread awareness among the masses for the preventive steps to be adopted. The states were asked to indicate whether any assistance is needed to augment their stock of medicines, PPE and testing kits. Clarification was offered on certain technical issues raised by some states in terms of categorization of the patients, screening and medical intervention.
Most of the states have reported adequate stock of medicine along with syrup for children, and PPE/masks. The Ministry has advised for inter-state transfer of drugs to states such as Punjab and Madhya Pradesh from states which have adequate stock of the drug, to augment their supply. PPE and testing kits will be supplied immediately from NCDC to states which have requisitioned them. Specialist doctors will be sent to Rajasthan to assist them in treatment of patients in critical care.
The Health Ministry has advised the states to constantly monitor the situation. The Ministry has stressed on IEC activities to create awareness among the masses on ways to prevent it, and to report to health centres for timely treatment. The states have been advised to be particularly careful about vulnerable population and those suffering from co-morbid conditions. It has been observed that the high number of deaths in some states is due to co-morbid conditions (patients having diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, chronic obstructive airway diseases, chronic renal disease, etc.) and delayed treatment.
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. (INN)