Gujarat Steps Up H1N1 Preparedness, Hospitals Told to Follow 2019 Guidelines

Gandhinagar: Gujarat Health Minister Praful Pansheriya on Monday chaired a high-level review meeting on the state’s preparedness to deal with H1N1 (seasonal flu), saying the situation is currently under control and there is no need for citizens to panic.

The meeting, held through video conferencing, was attended by medical superintendents of civil hospitals, deans of medical colleges and senior health officials from districts and municipal corporations. The meeting also reviewed the control of water-borne and mosquito-borne diseases during the monsoon.

Pansheriya said patients suffering from diarrhoea, vomiting, typhoid, cholera, malaria, chikungunya, jaundice and seasonal flu have been receiving timely treatment at government hospitals. He praised the work of doctors and healthcare staff across the state during the monsoon season.

On H1N1, the minister said cases were being reported from metropolitan cities such as Delhi and Mumbai, while people continue to travel to Gujarat from these cities by air, rail and road.

He said there was currently no serious outbreak of H1N1 in Gujarat and that the condition of patients in the state was normal.

Pansheriya directed officials to strictly follow the sampling, testing and treatment protocols prescribed under the 2019 H1N1 guidelines at all government hospitals. He also asked officials to issue necessary instructions to emergency departments, doctors and nursing staff to ensure compliance with the guidelines.

As part of the state’s preparedness, the minister directed civil hospitals, medical colleges, district health authorities and municipal corporations to ensure adequate stocks of medicines and sufficient availability of oxygen and ventilators at government hospitals.

He further instructed hospital authorities to resolve any technical or staff-related issues internally so that patient services are not disrupted.

Pansheriya also stressed the need to strengthen cleanliness and sanitation measures across government hospitals. DeshGujarat