12 August,2009 11:57 AM IST | | Somita Pal
Doctors manning BMC disaster management helpline say they got 395 calls in 4 hrs
BMC's disaster management helpline 108 is now used to answer swine flu-related queries.
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When MiD DAY visited the BMC control room for an hour yesterday, three doctors, two interns and 10 officials were constantly glued to the phone.
A doctor from KEM Hospital said, "We started at 7.30 am and have answered 395 calls in four hours. There is no time to breathe."
'Don't panic'
"Out of the 395 calls, we recommended only 14 people to undergo medical tests.
We've noticed that everyone who has slight fever, cough and cold wants to get himself tested for swine flu. Queuing up at hospitals can expose them to swine flu. We don't want people to panic.
We suggest they inhale steam, have paracetamol, soups and hot beverages and wash their handkerchiefs in warm water," he added.
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Poll on schools
Meanwhile, BMC Municipal Commissioner Dr Jairaj Phatak used the helpline to conduct a poll among Mumbaikars on whether schools should be shut.
"If a majority agree, we will send a report to the state government," said Phatak.
Out of the 20 responses received between 6 and 6.30 pm yesterday, 15 said schools should be shut. The five who refused were all BMC officials.
Masks for Condcutors
BEST has asked conductors to wear masks provided by them during duty.
The decision was taken during a BEST committee meeting yesterday.
Public transport buses are crowded and there is a greater risk of contracting swine flu.
