Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad said on Monday the government is taking all possible steps to fight swine flu that has so far claimed six lives across India.While addressing the media on the outbreak of swine flu, he said a central team will visit states to help people afflicted with H1N1 virus. However, the government accepted that the swine flu vaccine will not be ready before December.
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"Considering our population, we have a long battle on our hands," the minister said."The government has installed four thermal scanners at Delhi Airport. We have been regularly liasing with state governments," he said.He said 341 patients are getting treated at various hospitals.Most cases have been detected during airport screening, he said.There are 864 identified cases of swine flu, he said.He also said private laboratories that fulfill guidelines can test swine flu patients.Testing centres for swine flu have increased to 18 from two, he said.The Centre is bearing all costs of tests for patients.Three pharma companies are working top develop a vaccine.Also, Tamiflu will not be available for purchase, he added.The government will import 20,000 testing kits.The government will stock two crore Tamiflu tablets.The vaccine will not be ready before December."I urge parents to keep children indoors," he said.
Closure of schools is not a solution, the minister maintained.
The state governments will decide on closure of schools.
The government will soon come up with a swine flu website.
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