Srinagar,August 10, (Vijay Kumar): – J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah called for mass awareness regarding the subject to re-assure the public that government has taken adequate measures to face any eventuality on this count.
He said the need for strengthening the process of screening of Swine Flu at Srinagar, Jammu and Leh Airports,
The Chief Minister was reviewing the steps taken by the Health and Medical Department regarding prevention and detection of H1N1 infection causing Swine Flu.
“There should be no loop-hole in our preparedness and screening should be effective and upto the mark covering all aspects and making the surveillance foolproof”, Mr. Abdullah said and added that visitors of all categories required to be screened to ensure prevention positively.
The Chief Minister was informed that the Health Department has geared up its men and machinery since May 2, 2009 when WHO and Union Health Ministry sounded the Swine Flu alertness. Screening Teams have been put in place at Srinagar, Jammu and Leh Airports besides, establishing isolation rooms and quarantine area there. Rapid Response Teams have also been formed at district and state levels and medicines and personal protective gear equipment made adequately available in the state.
It was also stated that special vehicles and ambulances have been kept available for transportation of staff and patients. Revised guidelines have been circulated to all the concerned besides, notifying hospitals for testing. Massive thrust has been given to IEC activities both in print and electronic media. Isolation wards have been established at SMHS, SKIMS, GMC, Jammu, Government Hospitals Gandhinagar, Sarwal and District Hospital Leh.
The Chief Minister directed the concerned authorities to make immediate arrangements for sensitizing educational institutions at all levels making the staff and the students aware about the symptoms and preventive measures of Swine Flu.
Mr. Abdullah also stressed on equipping district hospitals with the required facilities to take first-aid measures relating to the screening of patients for H1N1 infection. He said teams of expert doctors should always be available at the district and state level to help ensure prevention and treatment, if required.
The Chief Minister asked the Health Minister and the Medical Education Minister to hold a press conference and give details of the preparedness of the state to deal with any situation if arises and clear all doubts from the minds of the people.
The meeting was attended by the Minister for Health, Sham Lal Sharma, Minister for Medical Education, R. S. Chib, Political Advisor to Chief Minister, Devender Singh Rana, Chief Secretary, S. S. Kapur, Director SKIMS, Dr. A. H. Zargar, Director Health Services, Kashmir, Dr. Wani, Special Secretary Health, Mr. Ghulam Nabi, Principal Medical College, Srinagar, Dr. Shahida Mir, Regional Director Health Services, Government of India, Dr. Shazia Wafai and various other subject matter specialists.
www.scoopnews.in