Yet Hospitals Told to Strengthen Emergency Preparedness

Orders for Tamiflu, Oxygen, Nebulisers and Isolation Beds Raise Questions as Cases of Seasonal Flu Increase

Pooja Srivastava
Anytime News Network

Uttar Pradesh has stepped up its preparedness amid increasing cases of seasonal flu. While the government has assured residents that the situation remains under control and there is no need to panic, hospitals across the state have simultaneously been directed to maintain adequate stocks of antiviral medicines, oxygen and other critical medical resources.

Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak reviewed the situation through a virtual meeting with health officials across Uttar Pradesh. Hospitals were instructed to ensure sufficient availability of Oseltamivir (Tamiflu), oxygen, nebulisers, oxygen masks and bronchodilators, particularly for patients with respiratory complications.

In districts reporting a higher number of cases, separate OPDs have been ordered for patients suffering from respiratory symptoms. District and combined hospitals have also been asked to keep four to six isolation beds ready for seriously ill patients.

The developments raise an obvious question: if the situation is completely under control, why has the government ordered separate registration counters, dedicated OPDs and isolation arrangements? Health officials, however, maintain that these are precautionary measures designed to prevent pressure on hospitals and ensure faster treatment if cases rise.

Pathak also reviewed hospital facilities through the HOPE (Health Online Parameter Evaluation) Command and Control Centre in Lucknow. Officials were asked to immediately address any shortage of medicines, oxygen or essential equipment.

Special surveillance has been ordered in districts bordering Nepal, where health authorities have been directed to closely monitor cases of flu and fever. Patients arriving from Nepal or affected areas are to receive prompt medical attention.

The government has urged citizens not to panic but to seek medical help if symptoms become serious. For now, the administration insists that the situation is under control—but the intensified preparations clearly indicate that authorities are unwilling to take any chances.