In what comes as a relief to the people of Delhi and health officials, the Capital has registered a fall in the number of swine flu cases. Tuesday witnessed only 71 cases.
The total tally now stands at 1,679 cases since the beginning of the year.
“Today, 494 tests were conducted and 71 persons tested positive for swine flu. The total number of positive cases stands at 1,679 as of now. The rising temperature could be attributed to the slight dip in numbers,” a senior health official said.
Meanwhile, rubbishing reports about shortage of medicines to counter swine flu, all medical superintendents of large hospitals (designated to treat the flu) have assured that they have an adequate supply. “We have adequate medicines — Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) tablets — and manpower. There is absolutely no need to panic in any manner,’’ RML medical superintendent Dr. H. K. Kar said.
“The hospital gets over 50 patients on a daily basis and we have been managing well this season,’’ he added. RML hospital is among the 25 identified medical institutes for treatment of the flu. Oseltamivir, a schedule X drug, is available at select chemists in the city also.
Delhi government health secretary S.C.L. Das, too, added that there was no shortage of drugs in any government hospitals. “We have issued instructions to all hospitals to be prepared with trained staff and adequate medicine stock. Select private chemists also have been told to stock the medicine to ensure that there is no abuse of the medicine and no panic-buying and self-medication. Medicines are being dispensed in a manner that ensures adequate availability and zero misuse and waste.’’
