Swine flu: no need to panic, says PM

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said that the Centre was coordinating with the state governments in controlling the swine 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 added that there was no need for panic and there should be no disruption in daily life.

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 to calm fear among the people.