Set up task force on swine flu: LS member

New Delhi: Concerned over the spread of swine flu virus in the country, a Lok Sabha member Friday demanded setting up of a task force which would suggest ways to prevent the disease as well as course of treatment.

Raising the matter during Zero Hour in the Lok Sabha, Jagadambika Pal (BJP) said the incidence of Swine Flu was first noticed in 2009 and even after four years the country is unable to prevent the disease.

"A task force should be set up to deal with the incidence of swine flu. Both preventive check ups as well as treatement of the disease should be given prime importance," Pal said.

He said about 17,000 patients have tested positive for swine flu while 965 people have succumbed to the disease.

"Zilla hospitals have no facility for testing the flu and the deaths in those hospitals are not even reported," he said.