Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 25 2009:
Doctors in the State have pledged to take collective responsibility in combating spread of Swine flu during a joint meeting of Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) and Medical Superintendent Officers (MSOs) presided over by Director of Health Services Dr W Motilal at the conference hall of the Directorate of Health Services here today.
Talking to mediapersons in this connection at his office chamber, Dr Motilal said since the reported outbreak of Swine flu in Mexico, the State Health Services has been on alert mode to prevent its spread from May till date.
Accordingly, along with the co-operation of the Indian Airlines Authority screening of passengers coming from outside the State is being carried out at Imphal airport apart from conducting sensitisation programmes in different parts of the State, he said, adding that a helpline has also been opened at room no.23 of Health Services where public can come for screening as well as to lodge complaint.
To meet any possible outbreak of Swine flu, around 1 lakh Tamiflu capsules have also been kept in the stock and there are enough masks to meet the requirement, Dr Motilal disclosed.
In response to a question, the Director of State Health Services said reported death of a Manipuri youth in Pune from Swine flu is very sad.
However, the incident has no connection with the Swine Flu control cell in the State.
It should be the responsibility of the control cell in Pune.
Dr Motilal further informed that taking consideration of the fact that the virus H1N1 responsible for spreading Swine flu is more active in cold season, a joint meeting with the CMOs and MSOs had been held in connection with taking up necessary precautionary measures before the onset of winter.
The meeting resolved to take up collective responsibility by all the doctors in the State to prevent outbreak of Swine flue.
State Nodal Officer of Swine Flu Control Cell Dr Bhubonhandra, who was also present during the press conference, informed that so far three patients affected with Swine flu have been detected in the State.
But all of them have been treated and cured.
There is no need for panic as the Health Services has put in place all the required precuationary measures, he assured, adding that inspite of that care should be taken.
It may be noted here that more than 2000 people have been reportedly affected while around 72 died from Swine flu in India.