While resolving to deploy health teams at the Patradevi, Molem entry points as well as at the inter-State bus stands and railway station, the Government is seriously considering the option to pre-pone the Ganesh Chathurti school vacation to August 21 as a precautionary measure in view of the swine flu scare.
The Government has also decided to set up a centre at the TB hospital atop the Monte Hill to treat swine flu patients from south Goa to meet any eventuality.
This was discussed at a high-level meeting convened by the Chief Minister, Digambar Kamat in the South Goa District Collectorate to review the swine flu situation. The meeting was attended by Health Minister Vishwajeet Rane, Director of Health Services Dr Rajananda Desai, Hospicio Medical Superintendent Dr Ruando De Sa, District Collector G P Naik and other officials of the district administration.
Briefing newsmen after the meeting, the chief minister said the Government is exploring the idea of pre-poning the Ganesh holidays for schools from August 21. In this connection, he said discussions will be held with the Director of Education and a decision will be taken by Wednesday.
Kamat said while a core committee headed by the Chief Secretary will monitor the swine flu situation at the State level, Collectors of the North and South Goa districts have been asked to constantly review the situation in their respective jurisdiction.
Replying to a question, the chief minister said strict vigil will be maintained on people visiting the State from Mumbai and Pune. He said teams of doctors will be deployed at the Patradevi/Dhargal and Molem check posts to check swine flu patients.
The Government is also contemplating to post similar teams at the inter-State bus stands and at railway stations as a precautionary measure. “Any shortage of staff in the Directorate of Health services will be met from the Goa Medical College and hospital”, Kamat added.
Replying to a question, Health Minister, Vishwajeet Rane said he would submit a detailed report on the swine flu situation and the patients tested by the doctors to the chief minister.
Meanwhile, South Goa MP Francisco Sardinha has expressed his satisfaction over the measures taken by the State Government to tackle the emerging swine flu situation and hoped that the situation would not go out of control.
Yesterday, Chief Secretary S K Srivastava who is also the health secretary had told media that of the 40 suspected cases, 11 had tested positive, four of whom were still undergoing treatment while the remaining had long been discharged.
The State Government today reviewed the situation and took some steps even as tourists from neighbouring States including those going through the anxiety of swine flu, are holidaying in Goa.
Several of Goan youth working and studying in Pune, are returning in large numbers.
Source: www.oheraldo.in
