IMPHAL, March 10: Though Swine flu was positively detected in the state on March 5, there is no cause for panic said Principal Secretary Home & Health J Suresh Babu at a press meet held at old secretariat conference hall today.
He further added that another three suspected to be infected with the virus are under observation and their swab specimens have been sent for laboratory test and reports are awaited.
`General public of the state need not to panic for the state health department is fully equipped to fight the eventuality of an outbreak of swine flu` said Suresh Babu and added that the state has flown in 3000 stripes of Tamiflu tablets all the way from Hyderabad.
He asserted that these preventive tablets are not for general public but are prescribed for those who are directly involve with infected patients or for those who are high risk of exposure to H1N1 virus.
He said that the government hospitals already have spare isolated wards to accommodate infected patients and the treatments will be free of cost.
The Principal Secretary Health said that as of now only one patient is confirmed infected with H1N1 influenza virus which causes swine flu. He continued that as a preventive measures advertisement are carried on every leading print and electronic media of the state.
Also speaking at the press conference, Director Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Dr Ch Arun, said RIMS hospital is also prepared to tackle the swine flu disease round the clock. He added that isolated rooms equipped with ventilators are also made available for the infected patients.
He further mentioned that an enquiry committee has been instituted for referral cases to fully equipped private hospitals.
Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences, Director, Dr. M Shyamo also told the press conference that the JNIMS is getting every support from the heath directorate in connection with tackling swine flu.
He said a separate building of the JNIMS has been allotted to accommodate swine flu infected patients. He further added that common cough and swine flu are different and suggested not to get confused. He said that for the precautionary measures one should use a mask at public places.
The only confirmed patient with swine flu which is currently undergoing treatment at Shija Hospitals, Langol is in a critical condition mentioned MD Shija Hospitals Dr Kh Palin. He said that the last six days the state was gripped with fear of the outbreak of the swine flu. He said that the confirmed patient infected with H1N1 influenza virus is being accommodated at isolated room and is in critical condition as she was admitted late. He added that two more patients suspected to be infected with swine flu are also undergoing treatment and swab samples tests are yet to return from laboratories.
Picking up another topic the Principal Secretary Home & Health announced that the executive committee of the Indian Medical Council has recommended to the Central Government to renew permission for admission of the 6th Batch of 100 MBBS students at JNIMS for the academic session of 2015-2016.
He also announced that mini passport office will also be opened in the state at old assembly building complex tentatively on the 25th of this month.
Another press meet was also held at the Manipur Press Club with the same subject attended by Director Health Services O Ibomcha, President All Manipur Working Journalist Union W Shyamjai and other Union members.
During the press meet O Ibomcha said that there is no need to panic and swine flu can be cured if certain precautions are followed like frequent hand wash, using a mask at public places and using a handkerchief while sneezing.
He also appealed that one should not travel outside the state without precautions. He said that H1N1 virus is not related with pig or pork meat and it is safe to eat if someone wants to.
He later announced that the state health directorate is equipped with 40 ambulances with GPS installed especially for medical attention for pregnant women and Janani-Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK).
He said that the said ambulance can also be utilised for other medical emergencies and they can be communicated on hotline No. 102 covering all the districts of the state.