Are we ready for phase II of H1N1?

MiD DAY revisits the efforts of authorities to rein in swine flu, even as death toll in city approaches 100

Are we ready for phase II of H1N1?

MiD DAY revisits the efforts of authorities to rein in swine flu, even as death toll in city approaches 100

With the swine flu death toll fast approaching the century mark, edgy Puneites are taking hygiene more seriously, and authorities, who are preparing for the dreaded phase II of the epidemic, say they are preparing for all eventualities on a war footing.

"We will equip all district hospitals with ICU facilities, and isolation wards. Sassoon hospital has sought 160 more ICU beds, 40 doctors and the same nnumber of nurses to attend to the additional beds," said Dr Arun Jamkar, the dean of Sassoon hospital.

On ventilators
"We have received about 32 ventilators and have distributed it in 33 districts acrossu00a0 the state. However, approximately eight or nine districts are yet to get them. This will probably happen in the next few weeks," said Dr Ashok Mehta, joint director of state health services and in-charge of swine flu operations in the state, who retired on Saturday.

While Dr Pradeep Awate, head of the state's H1N1 cell, "We are training staff is periodical batches. Three batches have been trained in Mumbai and Pune. Soon, we shall finish training the remaining three batches."

In isolation
"Most district hospitals had a ward that could be developed into an isolation ward. All it needed was proper fumigation and installation of ICUs. It should have been done in most places but we don't have the proper figures yet," added Dr Awate.

All geared?
Dr Arun Jamkar, dean of Sassoon hospital, is hopeful that the ICU beds are delivered soon. "I have forwarded the request, and I hope to hear from them soon. If phase II begins soon, we will need more support as the existing infrastructure is already over-burdened."