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Patients Advised Not to Get H1N1 Tests Done at Ill Equipped Clinics

by VR Sreeraman on Aug 10 2009 12:52 PM

Consequent to new cases of swine flu detected across the country, Delhi Health Minister Kiran Walia has warned the public not to get H1N1 tests done in private clinics, as they are not fully equipped to provide such facilities.

Further, she said that only the National Institute of Communicable Diseases is the authorised centre to conduct the relevant tests.

"No person should get the H1N1 test done in any private clinic. Private clinics don't have the means, facilities and the capability. If the tests go wrong, the patient concerned will be responsible for it. Only the NICD has been authorised to conduct tests," said Walia.

Meanwhile, in Pune, the private institution of the Symbiosis University has been closed following one of the students of the varsity testing positive for the test.

"A student of the Symbiosis Arts and Commerce College has been detected positive for swine flu. Therefore, we have got an advice from the Public Health Department to close the campus for seven days," said Vidya Yeravdekar, a senior functionary of the University.

In Mumbai, families worried over the epidemic flocked to the Kasturba Hospital to get themselves checked.

"I have come for treatment. I stood in the line for two hours and gave the sample. The report will come after two days," said Sachin Mahale, a resident of Vashi near Mumbai.

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In Kolkata, the Additional Chief Secretary of the Health Department announced the setting up of special influenza clinics in three hospitals.

"We have decided to start special influenza clinics in three hospitals - DGB Hospital, Nilrattan Sarkar Medical College Hospital and RG Medical Hospital. The special influenza clinics will be functional from Tuesday," said Dr. Samar Ghosh, Additional Chief Secretary, Health Department, West Bengal.

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Frequent announcements are being relayed through public address system at all important stations to spread mass awareness among the travelling public.

India recorded its first H1N1 case in Hyderabad in May and since then the virus has spread across the country with dozens of cases from Pune, including the death of a 14-year-old patient.

Source-ANI
SRM


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