With Influenza-A (H1N1) cases rising in Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered the state health department to strengthen testing, surveillance and treatment facilities across the state. H1N1 testing will now be available free of cost at all government health facilities.
The Chief Minister issued the directions while reviewing the state’s seasonal influenza and H1N1 situation on Sept 03. He also asked officials to ensure that districts reporting a rise in cases immediately strengthen their medical preparedness.
685 H1N1 Cases Reported in Uttar Pradesh
Health experts informed the meeting that 685 laboratory-confirmed H1N1 cases had been recorded in the state as of Sept 03.
The Chief Minister directed officials to ensure early identification of suspected cases and timely treatment, particularly in districts witnessing an increase in infections.
Private Hospitals Told to Follow Prescribed Testing Charges
Adityanath directed private healthcare institutions not to charge patients more than the prescribed fee for H1N1 testing.
Hospitals have also been asked to maintain adequate stocks of medicines, testing facilities and isolation beds. Separate ICU arrangements should be made for patients who develop serious complications.
Screening to Be Expanded Through ASHA and ANM Workers
The government will intensify community-level screening with the support of ANMs, ASHA workers and other frontline health personnel.
The Chief Minister also called for effective teleconsultation services and comprehensive guidelines covering H1N1 prevention and treatment.
High-Risk Groups to Receive Special Attention
Children, pregnant women, people above 65 years of age and individuals with serious pre-existing illnesses have been identified as groups requiring special attention.
Patients with mild symptoms may be advised home rest and self-isolation based on medical advice, while those showing severe symptoms should be referred for immediate treatment.
Hospitals Asked to Strengthen Flu Care
Hospitals have been instructed to establish separate counters for patients presenting with influenza-like symptoms and maintain an appropriate referral mechanism based on the severity of their condition.
Health experts said symptoms such as breathing difficulty, chest pain, extreme drowsiness, low blood pressure, blood-stained sputum and bluish nails may indicate severe illness.
Medicines, Testing Kits Available
According to the state government, adequate stocks of oseltamivir capsules and syrup, H1N1 vaccines and RT-PCR kits are available.
District hospitals have flu help desks, sample collection facilities and dedicated flu OPDs, while medical colleges have testing, isolation and treatment facilities.
CM Calls for Awareness Without Panic
The Chief Minister directed officials to provide the public with clear and accurate information about H1N1 and its prevention.
Emphasising that there should be no unnecessary panic, he urged people to maintain hand hygiene, follow proper cough and sneeze etiquette and take appropriate infection-prevention measures, particularly in crowded places and healthcare facilities.
The state government has also been directed to continuously monitor the situation and take immediate action in districts where H1N1 cases show an upward trend.