March 20, 2026 06:17 pm (IST)
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Health Minister writes to all CMs to accelerate steps to control H1N1 spread
Kolkata, Feb 18 (IBNS): Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare J.P.Nadda has requested all the Chief Ministers to issue instructions for addressing the gaps, if any, and for sustaining and accelerating steps and action taken by state Governments for controlling and preventing morbidity and mortality due to Influenza A H1N1.
In a letter addressed to them he has emphasized the need to follow the guidelines for screening, diagnosis and treatment of cases and also the necessity of intensified IEC activities to prevent avoidable panic, while at the same time ensuring that the patients, especially vulnerable segments, are treated without delay.
Assuring them of all possible assistance in the realm of technical guidance and support, he has stressed the need to equip healthcare Institutions to be ready to render treatment as per the situation.
The Minister has further stated that the influenza is of seasonal nature, and is expected to circulate in the community and hence we must take effective measures for prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cases so that the morbidity is minimized and mortality is prevented.
From Jan 1 till Feb 14 this year, 7647 cases and 557 deaths due to Influenza A H1N1 from different parts of the country have been recorded and senior officers from the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare have been in constant touch with their counter-parts in the affected States.
Review via video conferencing is also being held on a regular basis. Central teams have been dispatched to render technical advice and guidance to the affected States in consultation with the State Governments.
Assistance has been also extended by the centre for logistics by making available Oseltamivir drug, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), N-95 masks and diagnostic kits.
The laboratory network of Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is providing facilities to test for Influenza A H1N1.
A technical group under the Director General of Health Service is regularly reviewing the situation. The matter is also being reviewed regularly at the level of Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare.
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