Chaibasa, September 2, 2026: The West Singhbhum district administration has stepped up preparedness for a possible rise in seasonal influenza and H1N1 (swine flu) cases, with Deputy Commissioner Manish Kumar directing health officials to maintain readiness for early detection, treatment and infection control.
A virtual review meeting chaired by the Deputy Commissioner brought together Deputy Development Commissioner Utkarsh Kumar, the Civil Surgeon, Sadar Hospital’s Deputy Superintendent, medical officers in charge of all blocks, MPWs and other health department officials and personnel.
The meeting focused on the district’s preparedness, surveillance mechanisms and arrangements for responding to suspected infectious disease cases.
Hospitals told to keep dedicated isolation wards ready
Health institutions have been directed to maintain separate isolation wards for patients suspected of having H1N1 or other infectious diseases instead of treating them in general wards.
Officials were asked to ensure that these facilities have essential medicines, medical equipment and other necessary resources. The administration also stressed the need for prompt treatment and a time-bound referral system for patients requiring higher-level medical care.
Health facilities have been instructed to regularly review their available resources and preparedness so that they can respond quickly if the situation changes.
Early identification and reporting made a priority
Healthcare workers were directed to follow prescribed protocols for identifying suspected H1N1 cases, infection control, reporting, sample collection, treatment and referral.
Medical officers were told to take information about suspected cases seriously and ensure timely reporting and necessary action under the applicable procedures.
Deputy Commissioner Manish Kumar emphasised that vigilance, early identification and prompt treatment are important for controlling the spread of infectious diseases. Officials were also asked to strengthen routine surveillance and coordination at all levels.
Administration issues precautionary advisory
The district administration has appealed to residents to follow basic precautions against infection.
People have been advised to cover their nose and mouth with a handkerchief or tissue while coughing or sneezing, wash their hands regularly with soap and clean water, and avoid unnecessary close contact with people who are ill or showing flu-like symptoms.
Residents experiencing fever, cough, sore throat, breathing difficulty or other serious flu-related symptoms have been advised to seek medical advice at the nearest health facility or from a doctor rather than relying on self-treatment.
The administration has also called for additional attention to children, elderly people and other vulnerable individuals.
Child health screening programme also reviewed
The meeting also reviewed health screening and treatment arrangements for children under the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK).
Medical officers were directed to prepare micro-plans and accelerate health screening according to prescribed targets, with emphasis on achieving full coverage.
Health teams have been asked to visit identified schools and other designated locations, conduct health examinations, provide treatment or referral where required, and create awareness among parents about children’s health needs.
Health and education departments told to coordinate
Officials stressed closer coordination between the health and education departments for effective implementation of school-based health screening.
School managements and education officials have been asked to provide necessary support during health screening programmes. Regular monitoring of identified children, including their examination, treatment and referral needs, has also been emphasised.
The administration has directed officials to review available data and ensure that children requiring medical assistance receive services without unnecessary delay.
Focus on timely healthcare delivery
Deputy Commissioner Manish Kumar directed health officials and personnel to perform their responsibilities with seriousness and maintain the quality of healthcare, surveillance and public health services.
The administration said prevention and control of infectious diseases, timely treatment and children’s health screening would remain key priorities in the district. Officials were directed to maintain preparedness and coordination, with negligence in these areas not to be tolerated.
