No rise in Swine Flu case : Phungzathang
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 13 2015 : There is no increase in the number of people infected by Swine Flu in the State and any person suffering from cough or cold does not necessarily means he/she is infected by Swine Flu.

As such, people need not be too panicky, asserted Health and Family Welfare Minister Phungzathang Tonsing.

Responding to a call attention motion raised by Dr I Ibohalbi in the State Assembly today about the outbreak of Swine Flu and people's growing fear in the State, Phungzathang claimed that several preventive measures have been taken up under the joint initiative of RIMS, JNIMS and the Health Directorate.

Out of six suspected cases of Swine Flu, three tested positive.

While two out of the three Swine Flu infected people have died, the third patient has recovered fully and has been discharged from hospital.

Two other people suspected to have been infected by Swine Flu tested negative and they too have recovered.

Another suspected patient is being treated in the isolation ward of RIMS and the result of blood sample test is being awaited, Phungzathang informed the House.

Soon after presence of Swine Flu case in Manipur was confirmed, Health Department took up several preventive measures and a monitoring cell was opened at the Medical Directorate.

Monitoring cells have also been opened at district hospitals in addition to creating isolation wards for treatment of patients suspected to be infected by Swine Flu.

Citing reports submitted by the monitoring cells, Phungzathang Tonsing stated that there is no rise in the number of people infected by Swine Flu so far.

Nonetheless, the Government is keeping a watchful eye.

Necessary drugs have also been stocked in adequate quantities at RIMS and JNIMS.

Drugs would be provided free of cost to patients undergoing treatment in private hospitals if the hospital authorities write for such arrangements, Phungzathang assured.

Raising the call attention motion, Dr Ibohalbi said that many people are fearful for the worst on account of the outbreak of Swine Flu even though the situation is not that alarming.

Highlighting that Swine Flu may take the form of an epidemic in view of the presence of a considerable number of people infected by HIV/AIDS in the State, Dr Ibohalbi asserted that the Government should give detailed information about all the preventive measures taken up so far.

In another call attention motion, Thangmeiband AC MLA Kh Joykishan drew the attention of PHED Minister I Hemochandra to the water supply plant at Lalambung.

Elaborating, Joykishan said that if the Government does not have the money to start the work, he would be ready to sanction the money from the MLA Local Area Development Fund.

The money can be paid later after the fund arrives, he added.

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