The state government would be making use of the current stock of WHO-prescribed antiviral and steroid drugs on patients who may be infected with the corona virus. Accordingly, there would therefore be no need to procure any more drugs from the Centre or from the State contingency fund, as quoted by an officer from the Directorate of Health Services, Maharashtra.

According to Dr P P Doke, additional director, DHS, as the SARS virus comes from the same family as the common cold, there is no need to procure any additional drugs as the hospitals in the city have enough stock for the disease. "While the symptoms of SARS are flu-like in nature, the treatment options available are also the same", said Dr. Doke.

"Currently, the doctors are opting for use of antivirals and steroids for the treatment of SARS as prescribed by the WHO, but then there is no convincing evidence that this form of treatment is desirable for complete cure from SARS", added Dr. Doke.

Moreover, according to Dr Doke, the use of the above combination of drugs on patients who have been confirmed positive is said to cast its desired effect. Already on the 6 positive cases identified in the state, the use of antivirals and steroids is commendable and has even cured four of them fully. The state will continue the use the cocktail of antivirals and steroids till a definite treatment mode is declared by the WHO, confirmed Dr Doke.

Meanwhile, in a bid to spread awareness and avoid panic among the general public the state has started a 24-hour helpline - 22640000, at the DHS that would be attended full time by a doctor and a para-medical personnel. Already since its launch yesterday, the department has attended to more than 100 calls from frantic visitors comprising of laymen and medical attendants.

"The helpline has been launched after a state-level emergency meet that was held last week on account of the measures to be adopted by the state in aiding the prevention and awareness on the disease", said Dr Doke. "The other initiatives include making all practitioners aware and releasing leaflets, pamphlets, etc informing the general public on the do's and don'ts", said Dr. Doke.

Earlier, at closed-door meetings with several state, corporate and municipal bodies, the state government is believed to have approached the USAIDS for funds to aid the curb of the disease. Though no definite budget has been earmarked for tackling the disease, the state is said to be well sufficed with the necessary funds if need arises.