Indian Health Ministry: Government Closely Monitoring Situation on H1N1

Reiterating that the present spurt is seasonal, he assured that all necessary assistance and support is being provided to the states to manage the situation. He informed that he has been in constant touch with Chief Ministers and Health Ministers of the affected states on the issue.

The Health Minister informed that the Ministry has deputed senior level public health teams to Telangana and Rajasthan to assess the situation and assist the states in managing the current spurt in cases. The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Delhi through Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and the state units have enhanced the surveillance for influenza like illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI). They are also providing laboratory support in terms of testing, quality assurance, guidance, providing viral transport mediums and diagnostic reagents.

A 24*7 Outbreak Monitoring Cell of NCDC is attending to public queries on H1N1 to keep them informed and to dispel fears and apprehensions, if any.

While the affected states have adequate stock of the drug Oseltamivir, the Health Ministry also has sufficient stock of the medicine and Personal Protective Equipments. The Ministry has provided the requisitioned quantity to the affected states.

The Central Government has been advising the states, from time to time, to build capacity to manage the seasonal influenza. The states have been given guidance on risk categorization of patients and clinical case management. The Health Ministry and the states have also initiated awareness campaigns through print and visual media to educate and inform the public.