- No cases reported in Punjab, but robust arrangements for testing and treatment are in place.
- Public urged not to spread rumors but to exercise caution.
- Health Minister visits Rajindra Hospital, 50 beds and 20 ventilators available for emergency services.
Patiala, January 8
Punjab’s Health and Family Welfare Minister, Dr. Balbir Singh, has appealed to Punjab residents not to panic about the newly emerging Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV). The Health Minister today reviewed the preparedness for the treatment of potentially affected individuals at Government Rajindra Hospital. He stated that testing facilities for this virus are available throughout Punjab, including at Rajindra Hospital, and that 20 beds in the Life Support Emergency Swine Flu Ward and 30 beds in Ward No. 5, along with 20 ventilators, are ready.
see this link also…….Top 10 Short News….08 January….
Dr. Balbir Singh clarified that HMPV is not like the coronavirus and should not cause panic. He described it as a common cold or flu-like virus causing mild fever and cough, which typically resolves within a week without posing significant danger. Despite this, he emphasized that the Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has made preparations for the treatment of this virus throughout Punjab.
Dr. Balbir Singh mentioned that while no cases of this virus have been reported in Punjab (cases have been reported in South India), the state government has been in contact with the National Institute of Virology and has issued necessary guidelines to all Civil Surgeons in the state via video conferencing, in accordance with the directives of the Government of India, the Union Ministry of Health, and the World Health Organization. The Health Minister added that Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is also monitoring the situation and is in regular contact with health officials.
Dr. Balbir Singh urged the public not to fall prey to rumors or spread misinformation, while still advising caution. He stated that children under one year of age, the elderly, and those with serious illnesses should already be taking precautions and avoiding crowded places. Anyone with cold symptoms should cover their nose and mouth and wash their hands before touching their face.
Dr. Balbir Singh reviewed the arrangements in a meeting with Government Medical College Director Principal Dr. Rajan Singla, Rajindra Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr. Girish Sahni, Dr. R.P.S. Sibia, and other health staff. Councilor Jasbir Singh Gandhi was also present at the meeting.
