Increase in swine flu cases: govt

There has been an increase in the number of swine flu cases in the national capital as compared to the previous two years, government told the Rajya Sabha today.
In a written reply to a question in the House, Health and Family Welfare Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad said "there has been an increase in number of influenza A H1N1 cases as compared to previous two years. 615 laboratory confirmed cases and 11 deaths have been reported as on February 21 in National Capital Territory of Delhi."
He also briefed the House about the steps taken by state governments to take care of such cases.

"Arrangements have been made in eight laboratories and 22 hospitals for early diagnosis and treatment that would also reduce the spread of the diseases," Azad said.
In reply to a question on unvaccinated children, the Minister said "as per WHO Global Immunisation Data report of 2012, 22.4 million children under one year of age did not receive DPT 3 vaccine worldwide and more than 70 per cent of these children live in 10 countries, including India."
Replying to a question whether government is considering Special Medical Wards in all districts hospitals to provide medical facilities to rape victims on priority basis, Azad said "No. Under National Rural Health Mission (NRHM), there is no such proposal under consideration.