Swine flu could slip into the country

May 10, 2009

Even though a health check desk has been set up at the Zia International Airport(ZIA) since April 29 to ward off risk of swine flu contagion by screening out suspected cases, there have been but a few going through the routine procedure. Some passengers approached by our reporter seemed unaware of any health desk and also the necessity for them to report. Although inbound passengers from 19 countries are to pass through the procedure, the big signboard put up at ZIA asking travellers to report name only seven countries.

Actually, the whole idea of listing countries is being continually overtaken by the fact that suspected cases are surfacing in newer countries with each passing day.

So, there is lack of focus to begin with. This obviously needs to be replaced with a hands-on approach that will have inbound passengers with ‘runny nose, sneeze or cough’ checked, regardless of countries they flew in from. But it must be caring and concerned about the passengers without any hint of hassle; instead, with a persuasive message conveyed to them that by going through the check-up they would not only be helping themselves but also others by preventing the spread of the virus.

It is surprising that we have set up arrangements without having trained immigration and health officials in the fundamentals of handling such a specialised job. Although special training sessions are on the card, the question is: why were they not imparted adequate training before they were put on the job in the first place? For, this is vital not only for self-protection but also for management of the whole operation.

There is no doubt that this presents a logistical challenge but we can take the cue from other international airports, especially of the region, to mount an effective vigil on entry of A(H1NI) influenza through our airports. Apart from the airport, we must keep vigil on sea and land ports. It is good to learn that nine entry points have been placed on the radar. The need for taking adequate precautions and preventive measures can hardly be overemphasised.

Swine flu could slip into the country

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