Swine flu alert in UP: Deputy CM reviews situation, flags hospital preparedness in four districts

Uttar Pradesh's Deputy Chief Minister and Health Minister Brajesh Pathak reviewed the state's response to swine flu cases through a video conference with Chief Medical Officers and Chief Medical Superintendents on Saturday. Focusing on hospital preparedness, Pathak inspected arrangements for wards, outpatient departments, and emergency services in four districts - Barabanki, Shravasti, Jhansi, and Gorakhpur.

Unsatisfied with the current situation, Pathak instructed officials to enhance these areas by ensuring adequate supplies of Oseltamivir (Tamiflu), oxygen, nebulizers, oxygen masks, and bronchodilators. He emphasized the importance of testing serious patients presenting flu-like symptoms, and directed hospitals to monitor contacts of those with influenza-like illness and respiratory infections.

Hospitals in districts with higher case numbers were ordered to establish separate OPDs for respiratory patients to minimize overcrowding. Pathak also mandated four to six isolation beds in every district and joint hospital for severe cases, and requested the setup of separate registration counters for fever and flu patients to expedite registration and examination.

During the conference, Pathak inquired about the availability of necessary medicines, oxygen, and other essential resources, directing officials to address any shortages promptly. Moreover, he urged the Health Department to maintain close surveillance in bordering Nepal districts, ensuring immediate medical assistance for patients arriving from Nepal or Uttar Pradesh.

Pathak stated that the government is closely monitoring the situation and that officials must remain vigilant about the well-being of all state residents.