Shed complacency in tackling Swine flu: Lok Satta

The Lok Satta Party today faulted the Government for failing to anticipate the swine flue outbreak and taking preventive measures.

In a media statement, Lok Satta Party leaders Katari Srinivasa Rao and V. Laxman Balaji said the Government should have promoted awareness among vulnerable sections like pregnant women, diabetics, and asthmatics and undertaken the vaccination program.

Healthcare workers in Government hospitals are reluctant to handle swine flu cases while private hospitals, huge beneficiaries under the Arogyasri program, are turning away patients.

The Lok Satta leaders voiced concern over the outbreak of diseases like malaria and dengue especially in Scheduled Areas.

They wanted the Government to wake up at least now, take measures to prevent further spread of swine flu, strengthen health care facilities in the public sector, and make private hospitals partners in the war against communicable diseases. The Government should launch a publicity campaign to educate the people on preventive measures and allay their anxiety over treatment.