State fixes swine flu test charges at Rs 2,500

Bengaluru, 20 Feb 2015: Following the rise in the H1N1 cases in the State, Health Minister U T Khader on Thursday said that a circular has been issued to all the hospitals in the State that they should not collect more than Rs 2,500 for testing patients for swine flu.

 

Addressing the media after an emergency meeting to discuss the H1N1 issue, Khader warned the private hospitals to stop fleecing people while treating them for swine flu. “Strong action will be taken against such hospitals whose intentions are just to make money. Presently, free testing is being done at Manipal Hospital, Udupi and Nimhans in Bengaluru.”

 

He said there is no need to panic as the State government is pulling out all stops to make sure to stop the swine flu deaths. “We have enough stock of medicines needed to treat the disease and if required can supply the drugs to the rest of the country also. On Wednesday, Under Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to Union government held a meeting and expressed satisfaction on preparedness of Karnataka for H1N1.”

 

“From 2009 till date, 399 swine flu deaths have been registered in the State. The number of deaths reported in 2009 is 135, 120 in the year 2010, 16 in 2011, 48 in 2012, 19 in 2013 and this year, about 27 deaths have been confirmed.” 

 

There were no deaths reported in the BBMP limits on Thursday. However, the total number of swine flu positive cases has shot up to 248. “On Thursday alone, 42 cases were reported. The total number of deaths till date is 10 in BBMP limits,” said an official from BBMP Health department.