Gujarat HC slams government for rise of swine flu cases

The Gujarat High Court today came down heavily on the Gujarat government for the rise in swine flu cases in the state and sought an explanation about why the state has not declared swine flu as an 'epidemic'.
Expressing dissatisfaction over the report submitted by the Gujarat government on action taken to prevent and control of swine flu (H1N1) in Gujarat in 2013, Justice Anant Dave today sought an explanation on why the government had not shown seriousness in declaring swine flu an epidemic.
The court asked the State Health Commissioner to submit an affidavit with further details on issues ranging from norms of registrations for private and multi-facility hospitals, actions taken to ensure hygiene in hospitals, as well as the status of infrastructure in district hospitals.

So far, more then 140 deaths has been reported in Gujarat due to swine flu this year.
The High Court recently found itself faced with several petitions by undertrials seeking bail on the grounds that they need to attend to their relatives suffering from swine flu, malaria and dengue.
During the last hearing on March 21, the court had directed the state government to submit action taken report on steps for controlling and preventing swine flu in the state.

After the court's March 21 order, the Gujarat government today submitted a 14-page report detailing actions taken to prevent and control swine flu (H1N1) this year.

The report disagreed that there was an alarming rise of swine flu cases this year and furnished data about the last four years on the issue.
However, the court flatly refused to be satisfied with the report terming it as "an eye-wash" and directed the state government to submit more details.