Maharashtra to formulate legislation to curb swine flu-like epidemics

A draft bill in this regard will be prepared in next three months

Amid rising cases of death because of swine flu, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government in Maharashtra has decided to formulate a legislation titled ‘Maharashtra Emergency Services Act’, on the lines of the Gujarat Emergency Medical Services Act of 2007, to effectively curb epidemic diseases. The proposed Act will, however, not incorporate disasters as in Gujarat but will only deal with epidemics.

Public Health Minister Deepak Sawant told Business Standard, “The objectives are to curb the spread of epidemic diseases, ensure availability of medicines and equipment across the state and put in place a system for proper coordination between the government and private hospitals, so as to attend to those affected by epidemics.”

Sawant said the draft legislation would be prepared in the next three months in consultation with experts and NGOs.

Sawant emphasised the need for the proposed law, especially when more than 350 swine flu deaths have been reported in Maharashtra and over 4,500 persons affected by the disease in Mumbai alone.

“Epidemics are going to rise in future, especially in the wake of global warming and climate change. As on date, the government has limited options, especially with regard to medicines and various equipment, including ventilator. The proposed Act will enable the state government to put in place a broad mechanism to provide emergency services to the effected people,” the minister said.

Sawant said the Act would have provisions to fix lapses.

Sawant said a high-level advisory team comprising World Health Organization consultants has been formed to suggest additional steps to be taken by the government to tackle swine flu.

Meanwhile, the Maharashtra government has appealed to the Centre to release Rs 100 crore to tackle the disease, which is spreading fast. The state government has sought 100 ventilators and other equipment to improve the health care infrastructure in the state.