February 21, 2006
Dr. Gahukamble, Medical Superintendent reports:

In view of the fears of outbreak of bird flu in our area of Maharashtra, we have been receiving calls from many of you asking about our welfare. We are grateful for your concern and we are aware that we are in your prayers.

The news of possible human cases of this disease from Navapur sub-district, which is just 15 Km from us, is being extensively covered in the media. Reporters from the local newspapers and from NDTV India visited us on Sunday and conducted interviews with me and also inspected the hospital, for the readiness or availability of facilities in case epidemic occurs. It was telecasted on NDTV India many times on Sunday during the news hours.

Many domestic chickens kept by the staff in the campus have died recently. However the hospital staff is well and not showing any signs of illness. Earlier the deaths were attributed to the usual disease occurring at this time of the year. We now feel otherwise. The Gram panchayat is expected to send a team by tomorrow to cull these chickens not only from Chinchpada village but also from the campus. As of now ie 21-02 -06 all the poultry farms within 10 Km radius from Navapur will be culled. Poultry farming is a large business in this district - Navapur itself has 49 poultry farms. Culling has been going on for the last 3 days. In this area more than 80 thousand chickens have been culled so far.

The hospital has so far not had any patients with complaints suggestive of bird flu. We are exploring the possibility of closer co-operation with the responsible authorities. We made a visit to the Government hospital Navapur and tried to meet the Chief Medical Officer there to assure them of our help in case of need.

The hospital has a ventilator, other relevant facilities and the beds are available. We have spoken to the staff and each has assured me of their willingness to help in case the need arises. We have also displayed a notice at the entrance of the hospital giving the salient features of bird flu and the symptoms of the disease in human and the precautions to be taken. However, more extensive awareness campaign needs to be undertaken by our hospital in various villages in the vicinity, giving the relevant information.

Dr. Gahukamble, Medical Superintendent and SAO
Chinchpada Christian Hospital Chinchpada