Delhi Prepares for Free, Compulsory Swine Flu Vaccine

Four cases of swine flu have been reported so far. Centre has already alerted states to make adequate arrangements for prevention and treatment of swine flu.

To prevent the spread of H1N1 Influenza virus, Health Minister Satyendar Jain directed health authorities to make preparations for free and mandatory vaccination of health care providers and high risk groups.

The Minister directed that doctors, nurses, other paramedics in both government and private hospitals, and high-risk groups like children, senior citizens and pregnant women will be provided free vaccinations in hospitals for effective prevention.

Delhi Government Prepares to Fight Swine Flu Outbreak: Health Minister
The Health Minister has directed that isolated wards in hospitals must be kept in a state of readiness and number of beds should be doubled than last year.

It has been decided that the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) will coordinate with AIIMS and NCDC to identify the circulating strain of H1N1 virus along with virulency and mortality of the strain.

Also, Director Education will appoint nodal teachers in schools to make students and staff aware about the preventive steps against H1N1 virus.

Principal secretary (health and family welfare) Arvind Kumar said adequate buffer stock of Oseltamivir (tamiflu-for swine flu), personal protection kits, N-95 masks, flu and influenza vaccines for health care personnel are all available at the medical health headquarters and will be provided as per requirement.

With 6,764 Positive Swine Flu Cases Death Toll Reaches 455 in Rajasthan
The maximum of 90 deaths has been reported from Jaipur, followed by Ajmer at 50 and Jodhpur at 33. State has also constituted task force to monitor the disease.

"We will soon float the tender for further procurement of N-95 masks and vaccines. All hospitals have been directed to set up separate dengue and swine flu wards so that other patients can be treated safely," he said.

Meanwhile, the Mayor of the North Delhi Municipal Corporation, which is ruled by the BJP, said the government should work with the civic bodies to ensure there is no spread of swine flu.

Health Ministry Ensures Proper Preparedness for Combating Swine Flu in All Indian States
States must have adequate quantities of drug Oseltamivir, viral diagnostic kits, personal protective equipment and N-95 masks at all hospitals.

Source-Medindia

Delhi Government All Prepared to Tackle Swine Flu
The State health department will now procure one lakh H1N1 vaccine to immunize all health care workers in Delhi including those working in private sector.