Srinagar: Ten more patients have tested positive for swine flu, taking the number of those infected with the deadly virus to 277.
“Ten more patients have tested positive for the virus. The total number of infected people is now at 277,” PRO, SKIMS, Kulsoom Bhat in a statement issued said.
She said the death toll due to the disease in the Valley stood at 7 as no fresh deaths had been reported in the last 24 hours.
“There has been no H1N1-related death during the last 24 hours in the Valley,” she said.
Bhat said 20 fresh samples were taken today for testing.
“101 patients were seen at the special OPD of the SKIMS hospital today out of which samples of 13 were taken for testing. Seven samples have been received from SMHS Hospital,” she said.
The official said 35 more samples were in the backlog due to the shifting of the testing laboratory and their reports were expected soon.
She said the number of swine flu patients admitted at the isolation ward of the hospital was nine, including two patients in Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
On Tuesday, a suspected Swine flu patient died at SMHS hospital here taking the death toll due to the virus to at least eleven.
DAK ridicules gag order on H1N1
Media playing a responsible role
Srinagar: Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) Wednesday in a statement ridiculed health officials for issuing gag order asking doctors to desist from speaking on H1N1.
According to a statement president DAK and H1N1 expert Dr Nisar ul Hassan said that gag order is against the fundamental right of a patient wherein he/she has to be informed about the disease.
It is outrageous that health officials have labeled those doctors who informed public about H1N1 deaths as unscrupulous.
Health officials are threatening doctors who exposed H1N1 deaths of dire consequences which is unacceptable.
These doctors by way of public awareness have prevented further loss of human lives and their services in this regard should have been applauded rather than unleashing subjugation against them.
Health officials concealed H1N1 cases and deaths which led to spread of deadly virus in the community and they are liable for criminal prosecution.
These erring officials ignored outbreak threat and failed in combating H1N1.
These officials in order to cover up their inefficiencies and retain their illegally occupied positions are threatening doctors for raising voice against their illegalities.
These erring officials should be sacked for their criminal activity and removed immediately from their positions so as to rebuild public trust.
Media is playing a vital and responsible role in current H1N1 outbreak and their effective communication of credible and consistent information to public has helped to mitigate the disease burden in the community.