Lucknow, September 3 (TNA) Uttar Pradesh’s health department has been put on high alert after the state recorded 685 laboratory-confirmed cases of Influenza A (H1N1), commonly known as swine flu, prompting Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to order free testing at all government health facilities and cap charges at private labs.
At a review meeting on Wednesday, the chief minister directed that H1N1 testing be provided free of cost at district hospitals, medical colleges, community health centres (CHCs), primary health centres (PHCs) and other government institutions across the state. Private hospitals and pathology centres have been told not to charge more than the government-prescribed fee for H1N1 tests, officials said.
Cases rise sharply in recent days
According to health department data presented in the meeting, Uttar Pradesh had 551 confirmed H1N1 cases as of August 29; the figure rose to 685 by September 2, an increase of 134 cases in just a few days. So far, there has been no official confirmation of any death due to swine flu in the state, but officials have warned that the situation needs close monitoring as the number of fever patients climbs.
Deputy Chief Minister and Health Minister Brajesh Pathak, along with Health Minister of State Mayankeshwar Sharan Singh, reviewed hospital preparedness and surveillance arrangements with senior officials and experts from major institutes including SGPGI, KGMU and the Lohia Institute.
Free testing, capped fees and stronger surveillance
Key directives issued after the review include:
• Free H1N1 testing in government facilities: All suspected and symptomatic patients will be tested without charge at government hospitals and health centres.
• Cap on private lab charges: Private hospitals and diagnostic centres cannot charge above the notified rate for H1N1 tests; violations will be acted upon, officials indicated.
• Separate fever OPDs and isolation beds: Districts reporting higher cases have been told to set up dedicated fever outpatient departments (OPDs), registration counters and isolation wards to prevent cross-infection.
• ICU readiness for severe cases: Major hospitals have been asked to prepare separate ICU wards for serious patients with breathing difficulty and ensure adequate oxygen, ventilators and antiviral drugs such as Oseltamivir (Tamiflu).
• Intensified surveillance: Health teams will strengthen monitoring in high-burden districts and border areas, including those adjoining Nepal, and ensure prompt testing of patients with severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) and influenza-like illness (ILI).
No panic, but caution advised
Officials said most cases so far fall in the “sporadic” category, with no major clusters reported, but the sharp rise in numbers has triggered a statewide advisory to hospitals in all 75 districts. Medical staff have been told to identify and track patients with cough and fever, advise them on cough etiquette at home and in public places, and start antiviral treatment early in high-risk groups.
The health department has identified elderly people, children up to five years, pregnant women and those with serious chronic illnesses as more vulnerable to severe infection and in need of special care. At the same time, senior doctors have appealed to the public not to panic, but to seek medical help early if they develop high fever, severe body ache, breathing trouble or persistent cough.
Stockpiles of medicines and vaccines
In the review meeting, directors of key medical institutions assured the chief minister that there is adequate stock of RT-PCR testing kits, Oseltamivir capsules and syrup, and H1N1 vaccines at major hospitals. District magistrates and chief medical officers have been asked to maintain buffer stocks of essential medicines, personal protective equipment (PPE), masks and oxygen equipment.
Social media campaigns are also being used to spread awareness about preventive measures, including hand hygiene, mask use in crowded places and staying home when sick.
With monsoon-related illnesses still a concern and seasonal flu cases rising in several northern states, Uttar Pradesh’s move to make H1N1 testing free and regulate private lab fees is being seen as an effort to ensure early detection and reduce the financial burden on patients.