THE Health Department in Bilaspur has placed the Chhattisgarh Institute of Medical Sciences (CIMS), District Hospital and health centres across the district on high alert following the detection of seven H1N1 (Swine Flu) cases last week. Of the seven confirmed cases, five patients have recovered and returned home, while two are undergoing treatment and remain under medical care. According to health department officials, CIMS, District Hospital and all Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and Community Health Centres (CHCs) have intensified surveillance. 

 

Doctors have been directed to closely monitor patients showing influenza-like symptoms and encourage prompt testing wherever required. Authorities have appealed to people not to panic, while advising them to immediately visit the nearest health facility if they develop symptoms of flu. The District Health Department has also issued an advisory to all government hospitals and medical colleges, directing them to take necessary preventive measures and ensure adequate arrangements for the treatment of H1N1 patients. “Both CIMS and District Hospital have made elaborate arrangements to deal with Swine Flu cases. Isolation wards have been established at CIMS, while necessary treatment facilities have also been made available at the District Hospital,” Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) Dr Shubha Garewal said. She further assured that adequate stocks of Tamiflu tablets are available at the hospitals.