“The need for surveillance, timely diagnosis, investigation and proper treatment of patients and their family is of utmost important in preventing the transmission of H1N1. The Department of Health has been able so far to prevent the transmission of H1N1 (swine flu) symptoms to the community by its preparedness and timely intervention in the management of reported cases.”

This was stated by Punjab Director, Health Services, Dr S P S Sohal, while delivering the keynote address during the concluding ceremony of second state-level training of 40 members of the Rapid Response Teams from all districts in the state at the State Institute of Health and Family Welfare, in Phase VI here today.

Microbiologists and anesthetists have been imparted separate competency in handling the situation if more cases are reported.

Dr Deepak Bhatia, State Surveillance Officer for swine flu in Punjab, disclosed that so far only 28 cases had been reported positive in the state and logistics like Tamiflu, syrup Tamiflu and PPE kits and the sample collection facilities were available in all the districts.

Nodal Officers for swine flu had been identified in all the districts, he added.

He said the department had already begun the process of sensitising private practitioners by organising a workshop at Fortis Hospital in Mohali on Saturday.

Dr Sohal claimed that the state health department was fully prepared to meet any eventuality arising out of swine flu.