Directorate of Health Services sounds Swine Flu alert for hospitals

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The rise in H1N1 cases has put the state on high alert. According to public health authorities, the number of swine flu cases is likely to peak in the coming months as monsoon is all set to arrive.

The Directorate of Health Services (DHS) has given strict directions to all public sector hospitals including primary health centres and community health centres to step up surveillance and ensure availability of medicines.  However, now the primary concern of the health authorities are  private hospitals.

So far around 25 swine flu death cases have been reported in the state. In the wake of the alarming situation, DHS has directed the Drugs Control Department to keep tabs on private hospitals to ensure that they store sufficient emergency medicines to counter swine flu.  

The state nodal officer – H1N1 (Directorate of Health Services) Dr Amar Fettle said that it was impossible to keep track on the number of cases being reported in the state. “We have given instruction to the drug control authorities to ensure that the private hospital stocks up swine flu medicines,” said Mr Fettle.

“The number of swine flu cases has spiralled across the country and itsreflected in Kerala too. During the monsoons, cases may spiral. Earlier we used to supply emergency medicines to private hospitals. Now we cannot do that. H1N1 has become a local virus and private hospitals must procure medicines,” said Mr Amar.