*14 more samples sent to Delhi for testing
Govind Sharma
JAMMU, Feb 21: Two more persons were today tested positive for dreaded swine flu virus in Jammu taking the total number of positive cases in Jammu region to six while 14 more blood samples were today sent to Delhi for testing.
According to Director Health Services, Jammu, Dr BS Pathania, with two more positive reports having been received today by the department, the total number of swine flu cases in Jammu region has reached six.
Elaborating, he said that a total of 160 persons were examined today in flu OPD of Government Medical College and Hospital, Jammu, out of which 14 were found suspected of Swine Flu virus and their blood samples have been sent to Delhi for confirmation.
He said, “There is no need to panic as the Health machinery of Jammu region is well equipped to tackle the situation. The GMCH Jammu is fully prepared to combat any eventuality with regard to swine flu, as an isolation ward was already in place at Chopra Nursing Home of the hospital where four highly suspected swine flu patients are under observation. Moreover, adequate medicines and personal protection equipments are available in enough quantity”.
Dr Pathania said that to ease rush in flu OPD being run at GMCH, similar OPD has also been started at Government Hospital Gandhi Nagar from today while another OPD to screen swine flu patients will commence at Government Hospital, Sarwal from Monday.
Besides this, the directions had already been issued to create isolation wards at all district hospitals with at least 4 beds and these wards will be in place soon, he added.
Refuting reports that GMCH is facing shortage of Tamiflu tablets used in the treatment of swine flu, he said that, “There is no truth in it. We have provided enough stock of Tamiflu tablets and medicines to GMCH. In fact, we received a fresh stock of these tablets this afternoon also and we have provided the same to GMCH authorities”.
Dr Pathania said these tablets are not meant for every person who is suffering from cough, cold and fever but for genuine swine flu patients. He said there is so much panic among the people that every person affected from cough, cold and fever is seeking these tablets from the doctors at the hospital and on their denial, some people are giving vent to the rumours that there is shortage of these tablets, which is not true.
The Director Health Services further said that presently the department is arranging these drugs (Tamiflu tablets) on its own and is regularly receiving the same in small installments and distributing them to the hospitals. He said soon (hopefully from Monday) the Government of India will provide these drugs in bulk to the State.
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