New Delhi, Aug 11 - Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad Tuesday spoke to the chief ministers to gear up to tackle the growing swine flu menace that has claimed 10 lives and suggested various steps including involving private labs and hospitals.

The minister also met and briefed senior officials, who have been tasked to visit various states to help them contain the spread of the H1N1 virus.

Azad spoke to the chief ministers Monday night and also Tuesday morning, said health officials here.

'While appreciating the efforts being made by the state governments, he emphasized the need to step up the preparedness,' according to a statement issued here.

According to a health official: 'The health minister met and briefed joint secretaries and additional secretaries drawn from various departments.

'He advised them about capacity buildings in the states,' the official told IANS.

These 35 senior bureaucrats will be meeting chief ministers too. These teams have been told to complete their visits before Aug 15.

'The health minister has also requested the chief ministers to meet these senior officials when they conduct the first meeting. This will help in fast-tracking all the decisions,' the official said.