Though there is no headway or external acknowledgement on the vaccine and the WHO observation, the Directorate of Health Services says that Goa is in a better position to handle any H1N1 outbreak.
The swine flu death toll in the country has risen to 1,482 while the number of affected persons crossed the 26,000-mark on Tuesday across various states according to the Union Health Ministry.
Health Ministry data showed that the death toll due to the disease was highest in Gujarat where 347 people have died while the number of affected persons is 5,715.
“In Goa, 69 samples have been sent to Delhi. So far 16 have tested positive and one person has died. On every test, Goa government has to spend over Rs 2,500 including sending the samples by courier. The results also take time,” Health Minister Francis D’Souza told Herald. “Henceforth we will send samples to Manipal Virus Research Centre, Manipal, and the cost will be Rs 450.”
He said that the state can treat 100 infected people at a time. “50 patients in DHS and 50 patients at GMC. We have that much stock of medicines,” he said.
According to the authorities, most of the people who have been diagnosed with swine flu have travelled to the state from outside, and there are no home grown cases.
However, the state is not willing to buy the WHO argument on vaccines. “It is a curable sickness, if detected in time. Except for one death everybody has been cured. We cannot vaccinate the whole population in Goa,” the health minister said, adding, “And for a normal person it is just common cold. Only people who have diabetic complications are at risk.”
“From among the two new cases from south Goa, one had recently travelled to Bengaluru,” Dr Utkarsh Betodkar, state epidemiologist, stated while confirming the cases. While both have already received treatment for the influenza virus, they are being regularly observed.
One patient referred from a hospital in Sindhdurg that tested positive for swine flu is currently receiving treatment at Goa Medical College.
Precautions which have been recommended by the health services include covering the mouth and nose with a handkerchief or tissue while coughing or sneezing, washing hands frequently with soap and water before and after touching your nose, eyes or mouth, avoiding crowded places, drinking plenty of water and getting adequate sleep of at least 8 hours.
‘Infant mortality rate brought down’
PANJIM: The super specialist cardiac unit in Goa Medical College has conducted around 2100 cases of angioplasty and angiography in the last one year. Goa has also brought down infant mortality to nine deaths per thousand infant, Deputy Chief Minister And Health Minister Francis D’ Souza told media. “We have taken a lot of measures and created awareness and cared for mothers during pregnancy and there are a lot of facilities in Goa. The Centre has taken cognizance and given an incentive of Rs 112 crore,” he said.
