PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
The Deen Dayal Upadhyay District Hospital has made comprehensive preparations for swine flu (influenza H1N1) within its premises. These preparations have been carried out under the direction of the State Health department.
Principal medical superintendent of the hospital Dr Yatendra Singh stated that as of now, no cases of swine flu have been reported at the district hospital. However, the administration has ensured that they are fully prepared for any such occurrences. He said that a 10-bed isolation ward has been set up near the ICU and a separate flu outpatient department (OPD) has been established within the hospital. Additionally, further arrangements have been made at the Gandhi Shatabdi Eye Hospital, which is also part of the district hospital, to handle emergencies. All necessary medications related to swine flu have been stocked at the hospital.
Singh added that they will also ensure that anyone exhibiting symptoms such as sneezing or coughing within the hospital wears a mask. Further, doctors treating any patients showing such symptoms are also required to wear masks. Additionally, doctors have been instructed to immediately consult for testing any patient presenting common symptoms such as fever, cold and cough.
It will be recalled that the Dehradun chief medical officer also recently issued an advisory regarding swine flu to both government and private hospitals in the district. This advisory was prompted after the CMO confirmed 36 cases of swine flu in Dehradun district between August 1 and August 22. Of these, 28 cases originated in Dehradun while eight were reported from other districts and States. The CMO also urged residents to take precautions, including avoiding crowded places. If it is necessary to be in a gathering, wearing a mask is recommended. Additionally, maintaining hygiene by washing hands with soap before meals and after returning home is vital in preventing swine flu.
