MP govt gets 11-point HC order to tackle swine flu menace

The Indore bench of Madhya Pradesh High Court on Friday passed a 11-point order to MP government and others for tackling the rapidly spreading deadly swine flu virus, including setting up a testing facility (laboratory), in Indore.

The Indore bench of Madhya Pradesh High Court on Friday passed a 11-point order to MP government and others for tackling the rapidly spreading deadly swine flu virus, including setting up a testing facility (laboratory), in Indore.

A division bench comprising Justice PK Jaiswal and Justice Alok Verma on Friday opined that, given the gravity of the prevailing situation in the region, it was very essential to act proactively in the matter and curb the virus from spreading further and save human life.

As per the reply filed by officer-in-charge (CMHO), the virus has claimed 23 lives in January and about 50 have been tested positive of the virus in Indore. However, the court observed that as per news reports 36 have died so far this year due to this.

The court observed that the provisions available and the steps taken by the district administration in battling the influenza was not enough, and directed the government to act on 11 points and file reply within a week.

Directives

1. The government is immediately required to take appropriate steps for opening a testing laboratory in Indore. At present, two laboratories are running in the state for testing swine flu virus, one in Jabalpur and another in Gwalior. The labs are being run by the Ministry of Defence of the Union government. Hence, the states will require writing to the Centre.

2. Take effective measures to provide swine flu drug at a number of places/private medical shops under supervision.

3. To provide ventilators in all government |hospitals.

4. To spread awareness among the people about the influenza through advertisements in local newspapers, putting up hoardings, local radio channels and television etc.

5. Form a coordination committee of government and private hospital for better treatment.

6. All private and government hospitals should be provided with N/95 masks.

7. To provide free facility of ventilators, beds and ambulances.

8. To raise facilities in hospitals and increase the number of beds for H1N1 patients.

9. To hold a meeting with NGOs, principals of schools and colleges, representatives of government and private hospitals and agroup of advocates and doctors to take stock of the deadly onslaught of the virus and chalk out plans to deal with it.

10. To carry out fumigation in various parts of the city.

11. To carry out de-silting and cleaning of nullahs (open drains).