Experts give thumbs up to government's swine flu strategy

New Delhi, March 3 (IANS) The government strategy to handle swine flu cases in the country got a thumbs up from experts here on Tuesday.

At a high-level meeting on swine flu, chaired by union health secretary B.P. Sharma, the unanimous opinion of experts was that the strategy being followed by the government in terms of the treatment protocol, vaccination policy, schedule X status for drug Oseltamivir was broadly in the right direction, officials said.

During the meet, held to review the steps being taken to address swine flu incidents, the strategy being followed by the health ministry was put forward and guidance was sought from experts for any need for course correction.

A senior health ministry official said that a World Health Organisation representative at the meeting agreed with the government policy to vaccinate only health workers, who are at maximum risk.

Suggestions were given for strengthening future preparedness.

These included deeper analysis of the data collected on the reported cases and deaths, investment in research, better coordination at the state level among the various departments involved in management of H1N1 and upgradation of the emergency response systems within states.

The meeting was attended among others by S. C. L. Das, principal secretary (health) of the Delhi government, N. K. Ganguly, former director general of the Indian Council for Medical Research and Nata Menabde, country representative, WHO.