Ma says that there is no need to panic about the cases of H1N1 influenza. Subramaniam.
Ma says that there is no need to panic about the cases of H1N1 influenza. Subramaniam.
Despite repeatedly clarifying that there is no need to panic over H1N1 influenza cases, many, for political reasons, are demanding closure of schools and immediate setting up of fever wards in government hospitals, Health Minister Ma. Subramaniam said.
“We have discussed with medical experts and they believe there is no need to close schools,” he told reporters on Monday.
He said that all the hospitals already have fever wards. The state has reported 1,044 cases of H1N1 influenza from January 1 to September 18.
“On Sunday morning, we said that 364 persons were undergoing treatment for H1N1 influenza in the state. In 24 hours, four more persons have tested positive, taking the number to 368,” he said.
Subramaniam said that information is being spread about children being affected to a large extent. Of the 368 active cases of H1N1 influenza, 42 were children under the age of five and 65 were children between the ages of five and 14. Apart from this, 192 persons were 15 to 65 years and 69 persons were above 65 years of age.
Out of 368 persons, 89 were in home isolation. He said that 264 people are being treated in private hospitals, while 15 people have been admitted to government hospitals.
A team from Meghalaya, including Health Minister James PK Sangma, is on a two-day visit to Tamil Nadu. They are taking a look at the implementation of schemes like Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam and Inuyir Kappom along with primary health centres, health sub-centres, government hospitals.
The health departments of both the governments have signed an MoU to train government doctors of Meghalaya in comprehensive emergency obstetric and neonatal care services, life-saving anesthesia skills and ultrasonography.
He said that officials from the Indian Medical Department and a team of doctors from the Health Department, Tamil Nadu would soon visit Meghalaya to take stock of the health facilities for the tribal population.
Health Secretary P. Senthilkumar and Tamil Nadu’s National Health Mission’s Mission Director Shilpa Prabhakar Satheesh were present among others.