Haryana steps up preparedness ahead of upcoming flu season- Health Minister

Dedicated flu corners to remain operational at health facilities, ventilator support and critical-care facilities to be kept ready

At least 5% of ILI patients and 100% of SARI patients to undergo influenza testing

Chandigarh, August 24- Haryana has stepped up preparedness ahead of the upcoming influenza season, with health facilities across the state being directed to strengthen arrangements for prevention, early detection and effective treatment of flu cases.

Divulging more details, Health Minister, Ms. Arti Singh Rao, said hospitals and health centres across all districts have been asked to ensure adequate availability of essential medicines, testing facilities, infection-control supplies and critical-care resources.

She said the government’s focus is on early identification of potential influenza cases, preventing the spread of infection and ensuring prompt treatment for patients who develop serious illness. On her directions, the Director General Health Services, Haryana, has issued a detailed advisory to all Civil Surgeons and Directors of Medical Colleges in the state outlining the preparedness measures to be put in place.

Dedicated flu corners for early screening

Ms Arti Singh Rao said dedicated flu corners have been directed to remain operational at health centres and hospitals across Haryana. Patients reporting with fever, cold, cough, sore throat or other flu-like symptoms will undergo preliminary screening at these corners, facilitating early identification of suspected cases and timely testing and treatment.

The Health Minister said influenza surveillance and testing arrangements have also been strengthened. At least 5 per cent of patients with ILI (Influenza-like Illness) will be tested for influenza, while 100 per cent of patients suffering from SARI (Severe Acute Respiratory Infection) will undergo influenza testing.

Adequate stocks of medicines and infection-control supplies

All government hospitals have been directed to maintain adequate stocks of essential medicines, including Oseltamivir. They have also been asked to ensure sufficient availability of PPE kits, N95 masks and other infection-control supplies so that patient care and the safety of healthcare workers are not compromised whenever these resources are required.

Private hospitals also part of surveillance network

The Health Minister said private hospitals and the Indian Medical Association (IMA) will also be involved in strengthening influenza surveillance across Haryana. Private healthcare institutions have been directed to update information related to flu cases on the IDSP-IHIP portal on time. This will enable continuous and effective monitoring of the influenza situation across the state.

Ventilator support and critical-care facilities to remain ready

Ms. Arti Singh Rao said hospitals have been directed to keep necessary ventilator support and critical-care facilities ready for the treatment of seriously ill patients. Human resources, equipment and other essential arrangements at hospitals will be reviewed regularly to ensure that patients do not face delays in receiving treatment when required.

She said healthcare workers have been strictly directed to maintain hand hygiene and comply with all infection-control protocols. Healthcare workers experiencing cold, cough or flu-like symptoms have also been advised to wear face masks to help prevent the spread of infection.

Public awareness remains an important part of preparedness

The Health Minister said the government’s approach is not limited to treatment, and creating awareness among people about influenza is equally important. IEC activities and public-awareness campaigns will be undertaken across the state to inform people about influenza symptoms, preventive measures and the importance of seeking timely medical advice.

Ms Arti Singh Rao appealed to people not to ignore symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, difficulty in breathing or other flu-like symptoms. Those experiencing such symptoms should seek medical advice at their nearest health centre or hospital rather than resorting to self-medication.

The Health Minister said that in view of the upcoming flu season, preparedness has been strengthened across the entire system, covering surveillance, testing, treatment and infection control. The government’s effort is to ensure that any potential situation is addressed effectively and promptly while providing better and safer healthcare services to the people of Haryana.