New Delhi: Swine flu has become a major health scare in India and is assuming serious proportions in the country with 585 with 100 more casualties reported across the country in three days since Feb. 12.A total of 8,423 people have contracted swine flu this year in the country.
While the Centre has ordered additional stocks of medicines and diagnostic kits, hospitals have started running out of Tamiflu and protective masks. Till February 12, the total number of swine flu deaths had stood at 485. According to the latest official data released, 100 more people succumbed to the H1N1 virus in the three days till Feb. 15, taking the toll to 585
The worst affected states are Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra with their respective tolls standing at 165, 144, 76 and 58 according to official figures. ASSOCHAM estimates that tourism in Rajasthan and Maharashtra has taken a big hit with losses of over Rs 5500 crore due to swine flu
Meanwhile, sources in several hospitals say that masks and medicine are in short supply. “There are no masks in our hospital. Doctors are working at a very high risk. There is also hoarding of vaccines that has raised prices from the usual Rs 750 to Rs 1000,” said a source in a Delhi government hospital. Private hospitals too have started refusing patients citing Tamiflu shortage. A patient who was diagnosed at Max Saket was told to procure the medicine from outside. A hospital spokesperson when contacted said that she was not aware of any shortage
The government has already placed an order for enhancing stocks of diagnostic kits for testing for the H1N1 virus to be supplied to the lab network under Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme.
“To enhance the level of preparedness, additional stocks of the drug, Oseltamivir, and 10,000 N-95 masks are also being procured,” an official statement said. Health Minister JP Nadda has asked people not to panic and be cautious and alert about it.
Bureau Report
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