Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah: No Cause for Alarm Over HMPV
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Bengaluru, Jan 7 (NationPress) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah reassured the public that there is no reason to be alarmed about the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), calling for vigilance among citizens.
The Health Department has already put forth guidelines, he emphasized.
In a media briefing at Gandhi Bhavan on Tuesday, he addressed the worries surrounding the virus.
“In a discussion with Health Department officials concerning HMPV, it was confirmed that this virus is not a major threat and is not imported from China. The virus has been recognized since 2001 and primarily impacts children, the elderly, and those with compromised immunity,” stated CM Siddaramaiah.
Experts have also pointed out that it is not life-threatening. However, the Chief Minister advised that taking preventative measures is always prudent.
When questioned by the media about the cancellation of a dinner meeting organized by Home Minister G. Parameshwara, CM Siddaramaiah expressed his unawareness. "I have no knowledge of any dinner meeting being either scheduled or canceled. I will discuss it with him," the Chief Minister remarked.
Earlier, CM Siddaramaiah conducted a review meeting with the Health Department. Key highlights included the Health and Family Welfare Department receiving a budget allocation of Rs 11,182 crore for this financial year. To date, Rs 6,593 crore has been utilized, achieving a progress rate of 58.96 percent.
Regarding the Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR), it was reported that Karnataka’s MMR is lower than the national average. Between 2018-20, the state recorded 69 deaths per lakh live births, compared to the national average of 97.
For the period of 2022-24, the state aims to further reduce this rate to 55. A targeted campaign will be initiated to eradicate preventable maternal fatalities, as decided in the meeting.
CM Siddaramaiah also instructed that hospitals should recruit obstetricians and anaesthetists according to delivery rates. Additionally, doctors from hospitals with low delivery rates will be redeployed, ensuring the availability of specialists in taluk hospitals, the CM stated.
