Gangtok,August14: “All viral fevers are not swine flu. Its a common flu like any other influenza and could be easily cured in 5-7 days if precautions are taken properly. As a communicable disease, it can spread rapidly. So far, no case of pandemic flu has been reported in the state, but one has to be very careful to prevent such a pandemic”, said Mr. Vijay Bhusan Pathak, Secretary, Health Department, Government of Sikkim.
Addressing a press conference, Mr. Pathak said STNM Hospital has set up an isolation ward with five beds and, if required, “we can increase the number (of beds)”.
He further said, “We are having well trained medical experts who are capable of every treatment related to this flu.
Necessary Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) is here. The only thing we lack is a diagnostic laboratory for swine flu test”.
He said, any suspected person will be referred to Micro Biology Laboratory and sample will be sent to either NICT, Kolkata or Dibrugarh, Assam. If any patient tested positive, necessary treatment will be provided either at STNM or at his home if he wants.
He said, as Sikkim is a tourist destination, health department has deputed a team of experts at the two entry points, Rangpo and Melli, to check all the vehicles entering the state. Any suspected visitor will be provided help.
“A hype about the situation has been created. People believe media. We need the help of media to make the situation clear to the masses”, Mr. Pathak said, seeking media’s help “to tackle the situation”.
Regarding availability of antiviral medicines, Dr. Bhandari said, only Government of India is importing all the required equipments and medicines.
Addressing a press conference, Mr. Pathak said STNM Hospital has set up an isolation ward with five beds and, if required, “we can increase the number (of beds)”.
He further said, “We are having well trained medical experts who are capable of every treatment related to this flu.
Necessary Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) is here. The only thing we lack is a diagnostic laboratory for swine flu test”.
He said, any suspected person will be referred to Micro Biology Laboratory and sample will be sent to either NICT, Kolkata or Dibrugarh, Assam. If any patient tested positive, necessary treatment will be provided either at STNM or at his home if he wants.
He said, as Sikkim is a tourist destination, health department has deputed a team of experts at the two entry points, Rangpo and Melli, to check all the vehicles entering the state. Any suspected visitor will be provided help.
“A hype about the situation has been created. People believe media. We need the help of media to make the situation clear to the masses”, Mr. Pathak said, seeking media’s help “to tackle the situation”.
Regarding availability of antiviral medicines, Dr. Bhandari said, only Government of India is importing all the required equipments and medicines.
