Question : SURVEILLANCE ON INFLUENZA AH1N1

(a) whether the outbreak of Influenza A H1N1 (Swine Flu) as reported in various parts of the country is in line with the warning given by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and if so, the details thereof along with the steps taken/proposed by the Government in this regard;

(b) whether shortage/non-availability of drugs, testing kits and isolation wards for the patients of Influenza A H1N1 has been reported in the country;

(c) if so, the details thereof along with the corrective measures taken/proposed by the Government in this regard;

(d) whether the Government has proposed mandatory reporting of every case of Influenza AH1N1 and also compensation in case of attributable death in the country; and

(e) if so, the details thereof and the other measures taken/proposed by the Government to develop indigenous vaccines for the control of the disease?

THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI GHULAM NABI AZAD)

(a)to(e): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.62 FOR 1ST MARCH, 2013

(a) World Health Organization has not issued any warning in relation to the outbreak of Influenza A H1N1. However in August, 2010, while declaring the Influenza A H1N1 Pandemic to be over, World Health Organization conveyed that the Influenza H1N1 pandemic virus would take on the behavior of seasonal influenza virus and continue to circulate for some years to come.

(b)&(c): No, Madam. No State has reported shortage/non-availability of drugs, testing kits and isolation wards for the patients of Influenza A H1N1.

(d) No, Madam.

(e) During the Pandemic in 2009-2010, capacities were developed and indigenous Pandemic Influenza A H1N1 vaccine manufactured.