Madhya Pradesh: 7 H1N1 deaths in a day

Bhopal: It's the H1N1 alarm for Madhya Pradesh. With seven deaths in one day, the virus has claimed 27 lives since July. There are 102 positive cases at present of which 56 patients are in a critical state.  

According to the Directorate General of Health Service, it is the worst MP has seen so far. The track record shows highest number of casualties with seven people dead in one day. While the national average of deaths is only 5.28%. MP's is a whopping 38%

However, the dismal track record is not difficult to explain as the medical facilities available in various hospitals are way below standard. At Bhopal's Jaypee Hospital, patients meet locked doors instead of doctors

''When we go to the Jaypee Hospital, we are told to go to Hamidia Hospital. But then we are turned back from Hamidia only to be told to go to Jaypee. We poor people keep running from pillar to post. No one treats us," said a patient suspected of having H1NI flu.

Private hospitals have shut their doors on patients citing shortage of vaccines and other supplies. The government hospitals, the only respite for many, are left struggling

Advertisement

In Jabalpur, where the numbers of cases is the highest, doctors themselves are down with flu.

''We have run short of masks, lab-coats and drugs ,'' said Dr KD Baghel, Dean, Jabalpur Medical College.

Advertisement

With number of cases going up and facilities falling short, it is tough time ahead for the State Government.

''We are creating more isolation wards in district hospitals. We are also planning to improve Tamiflu supplies in affected areas,'' said Shivraj Singh Chouhan , Chief Minister, Madhya Pradesh.

Advertisement

With many patients left struggling to find hospitals and treatment for H1N1 flu, one can only hope that situation improves in the coming days.