Gorakhpur residents unhappy over official response to combatting swine flu

Gorakhpur (Uttar Pradesh), Aug 28 (ANI): Residents of Gorakhpur have expressed anger and disappointment over the dismal health facilities, especially in the wake of fresh cases of swine flu surfacing in the region.

Their claim, however, was rejected by the hospital authorities, who said they were fully equipped to treat patients infected by the virus.

Speaking to media here on Tuesday, Chief Medical Superintendent (CMS) of Sadar Hospital, B. K. Srivastava, said they had made proper arrangements for the patients suffering from swine flu.

"Kits and medicines are all available here. All arrangements are made," Srivastava said.

The residents, however complained about the recklessness of hospital authorities.

"There were no alerts of swine flue here. Neither do we have masks nor can we see any doctors here. In Lucknow, 13-14 people died due to swine flu. No information is being given here and no suggestions are given," Dheeraj Mani, a local, said.

The H1N1 virus, better known as swine flu, created panic and fear worldwide in the year 2009. The virus is generally found in pigs but has the same symptoms as any seasonal flu.

The flu in swine rarely jumps to humans, but can be spread when people are standing near an infected pig that coughs or sneezes. The flu also can spread when a person touches an infected pig or a surface followed by touching his or her own mouth or nose. (ANI)