Assuring that the Government would take all possible steps to control the spread of swine flu, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said there was no need to spread panic in the face of the disease.
"As you all know, some parts of our country have been affected by this illness. The Central Government and the State Governments will together continue to make all necessary efforts to control the spread of this infection," he said in his address to the nation on the 63rd independence day.
"I also want to assure you that the situation does not warrant a disruption in our daily lives because of fear and anxiety," he said.
Swine flu has claimed 26 lives so far with the maximum number of cases reported from Maharashtra.
The Government yesterday decided to issue new guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of suspected patients.
Observing that Good health was one of the basic needs, he said, "the National Rural Health Mission that we have started aims at strengthening the infrastructure for rural public health services".
The Prime Minister said the Government will expand the the 'Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana' so as to cover each family below the poverty line.
"In our journey on the road of development we will pay special attention to the needs of our differently-abled brothers and sisters. We will increase facilities available for them," he added.
No need to panic
Singh said the Centre was coordinating with the state governments in controlling theswine flu situation and there was no need for panic and disruption of daily life.
Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort for the sixth consecutive year, Singh said some parts of the country are facing increased cases of swine flu, but there was no need to panic.
"The Centre is working with the state governments to control the situation," he said. The Prime Minister said there was no need for panic and there should be no disruption in daily life.
