The Health Department has directed hospitals, including Civil Hospital, Kalpana Chawla Medical College, to establish dedicated flu corners in their OPD blocks. This comes as a precautionary measure against the increasing number of viral cases in hospitals, coupled with the surge in pneumonia and influenza patients in China. The order instructs these corners to exclusively cater to patients with pneumonia and influenza symptoms.
Dr. Anu Sharma, Deputy Civil Surgeon, highlighted the global health organization’s alert due to the rising number of pneumonia and influenza cases in China. The Central Health Ministry has also directed all states to enhance surveillance. Although Haryana has not reported such cases yet, hospitals in all districts have been instructed to maintain special vigilance.
The directive emphasizes the availability of isolation beds, wards, oxygen beds, ICU beds, ventilators, and oxygen cylinders in adequate quantities. Dr. Anu Sharma specified the collection of samples from each patient visiting the flu corner for nasal and throat examination.
Additionally, doctors in the dermatology department were advised to remain vigilant. The public has been urged to take precautions like using masks, covering the nose and mouth while sneezing, washing hands regularly, and avoiding spitting in public places. As hospitals witness a surge in cases related to cold, cough, fever, and flu, the health department has instructed maintaining a full stock of medicines to avoid shortages. The current oxygen status in hospitals across districts was also provided, with detailed information on oxygen supply, cylinders, and ventilators. The Health Department is proactively preparing for potential challenges and outbreaks, with a focus on early detection and prevention measures.
