Govt taking measures to prevent diseases: Health Min

Hyderabad, Jun 22 : The Andhra Pradesh government is taking all possible measures to prevent, contain and manage diseases like H1N1, Gastroenteritis and Malaria, state Health Minister D Nagender said today here.Addressing a press conference here today Mr Nagender said weekly reviews are being conducted to monitor the situation and to take measures to strengthen Disease Surveillance Prevention and Management.He said sufficient drugs and disinfectants are made available in districts. Stating that Rapid Response Team (RPT) are active in every district, he said district collectors have been holding weekly meetings coordinating with all departments responsible for disease prevention, specially Rural Water Supply, Panchayat Raj and Municipal Administration for periodic disinfection, regular chlorination of drinking water.The Department of Institute of Preventive Medicine is collecting water, food samples regularly and monitoring the quality of food and water. These reports are being shared daily with the agencies responsible for enforcement of safety standards, he added.A massive campaign has been launched across the state with specific focus in ITDA districts where malaria prevalence is high by making paramedical and medical personnel responsible for every village and habitation.All fever cases are being screened and are administered for medical treatment for malaria. Adequate insecticide material is positioned in all districts for spraying operations, he said.Nagender said there have been reports of two fatalities from H1N1 virus during the month of June. However government is taking all possible measures to not only contain but also to manage even the worst case situation. We have taken the following measures in this regard, he added. He said a round the clock cell has been established and is functioning in the Directorate of Public Health and all the DMHCs offices.All district hospitals and medical institutes along with six area hospitals in Hyderabad city and 27 private hospitals across the state are fully geared up to receive and manage any case of H1N1 influenza, he added.All these facilities are fully equipped with necessary infrastructure and trained professionals.The health professional who were likely come into contact with H1N1 patients, have been immunized with vaccination and the process is on going.Prevention of H1N1 virus infection should be undertaken by the individual themselves. The citizens are informed that influenza infection with specific fever and cough is not uncommon during the monsoon season however only very few cases of influenza are caused by H1N1, he added. (photo by RSJ Thomas)
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