The Health department Punjab was all geared up to tackle swine flu cases in Punjab as the Health Minister Surjit Kumar Jayani has directed the civil surgeons of the state to take all precautionary measures to check spread of swine flu.In a statement issued here today, the Minister said that necessary instructions have been issued to the Civil Surgeons to ensure the availability of medical and Para medical staff and take all precautionary measures to check the spread of swine flu cases in the State. The Minister also said that preventive steps have been taken due to the change in the climate and the Swine Flu virus is generally found in cold weather. The Civil Surgeons have also been asked to ensure adequate arrangements in the hospitals especially handling even suspected swine flu patients, if any, said Mr. Jayani. He also said that sufficient stock of Tamiflu has been made available, ventilators provided and isolation wards would also be set up as per the requirement of all hospitals of the State.
Mr. Jayani also said that to keep round the clock vigil on the health of the people, the state surveillance units have been activated and imparted required training to tackle Swine Flu situation. He said that all Civil Surgeons have been directed to call a meeting with Indian Medical Association (IMA) and execute Information, Education, Communication (IEC) activities in their respective districts. He also said that a daily report would be sent to State Surveillance Unit and instructed private hospitals to strictly follow the guidelines regarding Swine Flu. 24 x 7 monitoring would be done at the directorate level and complete vigil would also be maintained.
Mr. Jayani also urged people not to ignore symptoms like high temperature along with cough, cold and problem in breathing and they should immediately report to their nearest health centre for the treatment. He said that blood samples of such patients could be taken, if needed. He said that people should avoid crowded places and should maintain a distance of minimum two feet while meeting with the people especially those having symptoms of swine flu. They should also keep handkerchief or any cloth while sneezing and wash their hands at regular intervals.