Gangtok,August 11: The health department of government of Sikkim has already convened a series of meetings to discuss and prepare to implement initial practises to be opted for and also next course of action in the event any case of Swine flu gets reported in Sikkim. A high level meeting is scheduled for August 12 to streamline co-ordination among various government departments including Police,Transport and NGO's for measures required to screen inbound tourists and locals returning to home after outbound trips.
State Health Secretary VB Pathak said to media that although the State lacked testing facilities, the hospitals in Sikkim are well equipped with proper medical facilities and good doctors to tackle the pandemic. At the same time, he urged the people not to get carried away by the swine flu hype.
Informing that a coordination meeting has been summoned by the State Minister of Family and Health Department with the doctors and health officials on August 11, the secretary said the meeting will have elaborate and intense discussions on the issue.
Dr. BN Sharma, the Medicine Specialist of STNH hospital also told that no cases of swine flu have been reported in Sikkim hospitals till date. Dr. Sharma has further asked the people to inform the nearest doctors immediately if any one develops symptoms of cough, fever, head ache, running nose etc.
On the other hand, the people in the state Capital are worried with the rapid spread of the flu till West Bengal. “The State Government should carry out strict checkups at various check posts, especially on people who come from outside the State,” said CB Chettri, a resident of Gangtok.
Principal director,Health Dr. RL Sharma assured that there was no need to panic and that situation in Sikkim is normal with no Swine flu case detection so far. The health department is in process of implementing guidelines issued by central government. The next course of action will be finalised after carrying discussions on meeting scheduled for August12,2009.The state health department officials prepare to issue advisory to educational institutions and take preventive measures.In order to spread awareness, the department plans to issue notices and advertisements shortly. The idea behind the special advisory is to build awareness and prepare them to tackle a possible outbreak of Swine Flu among students.
