Why can't private hospitals pitch in?

The biggest concern about swine flu is the possibility of people not reporting their symptoms making the situation worse.

There is also the possibility of people avoiding the designated government hospitals which raises the question, should private hospitals now be told to pitch in to control the spread of the flu.

Along with the rest of the world, India gets ready to fight swine flu and the government is focusing on stricter screening at all airports.

So far 17 lakh passengers have been screened and special quarantine wards in every state; 26 isolation wards have opened up across the country.

All suspected cases have to be treated in government hospitals but is that enough? Why can't private hospitals pitch in?

"It would be difficult to track any fatalities, new cases in case people start reporting to private hospitals," said Kiran Walia, Health Minister, Delhi.

The government says they don't need private medical care to intervene just yet but experts feel the cases could go 'underground' if people have a lack of choice in where to go for their treatment?

Will they hesitate in reporting flu symptoms and that would worsen the situation.

Those are the fears of the people but even the private players say with just 16 cases there's no need.

"It's not needed, if the need arises then the government has the authority to ask us and we will oblige. It's not the time to be selfish, the rich people have to think about the whole community and if their consultant advises them they should go where the government says," said Dr Puri, a private doctor.

The government's action plan -- Pandemic Preparedness and Response says:

If the need arises, the private sector, which caters to over 70 per cent of the medical needs would also be made to contribute to provide health care on an equitable basis.

The government assures with just 17 cases everything is under control.