Fear of H1N1 grips Gandhi Hospital
Published: 08/12/2010
A warning shout rings out to one Mahesh, who was entering the emergency block of Gandhi Hospital, “Do not go inside without wearing a mask.” Fear abounds every corner after three doctors contracted swine flu. Panic is widespread in the hospital premises, as people are gripped by the fear of H1N1 influenza.
The moment one enters the Gandhi Hospital, one is greeted by the sight of security men, patients and their attendants, doctors and everybody else wearing masks or handkerchiefs. None of the attendants of swine flu patients are allowed to spend time near their wards.
“We have been told to wear masks as we are constantly exposed to the hospital environment. With news spreading that the flu had been contracted by a few hospital doctors, it is giving us sleepless nights,” said a security guard. All hospital officials are tight-lipped about the status of patients being treated. When Express tried to contact the superintendent Dr Ashok Kumar in his chambers, he declined to speak. “The superintendent has given us instructions not to allow any mediapersons who want to talk about swine flu,” said the superintendent’s assistant.
The three doctors undergoing treatment include two house surgeons and one assistant professor. They are being treated in isolated wards, where patients who are critical are treated. Interestingly, despite all three of them taking the preventive swine flu vaccine several days ago, they still contracted the virus. Meanwhile, seven nursing students who had contracted swine flu are said to be recovering.
It should be recalled that 175 nursing students who had been agitating for them to be given the swine flu vaccine were administered the vaccine.
