Niv can conduct only 250 tests every day
While thousands of people with swine flu symptoms queue up for tests per day; relatives panic
It's a problem of plenty for the Pune National Institute of Virology (NIV). The institute can conduct only 250 swab tests for swine flu every day, but thousands are queuing up to get tested.
As a result, the medical reports of many patients are delayed, which has caused panic among relatives.
Delay in reports
It's scarier because out of the five patients who died in Pune since Tuesday, only one patient got his medical report.
Fatal: Ten people have died because of swine flu in Pune, so far.
Patients with swine flu symptoms are admitted in the same ward at the Naidu and Sassoon Hospital as those who have contracted the H1N1 virus and therefore, are at risk.
Pune district collector Sanjay Dalvi said, "There has been a delay in reports because there are lots of tests to be conducted at the NIV.
We plan to increase the numbers." He added that though all patients are in the same ward, all necessary precautions are in place.
Yashwant Gaikwad, whose brother is admitted with swine flu symptoms, said, "Two days have passed, but we still don't know if my brother has contracted swine flu.
I am worried that he may contract the virus in the company of other patients."
Bishan Bafna, whose father is in hospital since Sunday, said, "Doctors say it will take time for the reports. I am worried that my father may get infected."
Sanjay Mistry died on Tuesday night, but his family is yet to get his medical report. "I don't know what happened to my brother, as I am still waiting for the reports," said Sanjay's brother.
At SASSOON...
Five deaths in 24 hours has shocked citizens. The atmosphere is tense, as anxious relatives pray for the speedy recovery of their loved ones.
Whenever a ward boy or doctor is spotted, relatives ask about the condition of patients. There is a shortage of doctors and nurses.
While thousands of people with swine flu symptoms queue up for tests per day; relatives panic
It's a problem of plenty for the Pune National Institute of Virology (NIV). The institute can conduct only 250 swab tests for swine flu every day, but thousands are queuing up to get tested.
As a result, the medical reports of many patients are delayed, which has caused panic among relatives.
Delay in reports
It's scarier because out of the five patients who died in Pune since Tuesday, only one patient got his medical report.
Fatal: Ten people have died because of swine flu in Pune, so far.
Patients with swine flu symptoms are admitted in the same ward at the Naidu and Sassoon Hospital as those who have contracted the H1N1 virus and therefore, are at risk.
Pune district collector Sanjay Dalvi said, "There has been a delay in reports because there are lots of tests to be conducted at the NIV.
We plan to increase the numbers." He added that though all patients are in the same ward, all necessary precautions are in place.
Yashwant Gaikwad, whose brother is admitted with swine flu symptoms, said, "Two days have passed, but we still don't know if my brother has contracted swine flu.
I am worried that he may contract the virus in the company of other patients."
Bishan Bafna, whose father is in hospital since Sunday, said, "Doctors say it will take time for the reports. I am worried that my father may get infected."
Sanjay Mistry died on Tuesday night, but his family is yet to get his medical report. "I don't know what happened to my brother, as I am still waiting for the reports," said Sanjay's brother.
At SASSOON...
Five deaths in 24 hours has shocked citizens. The atmosphere is tense, as anxious relatives pray for the speedy recovery of their loved ones.
Whenever a ward boy or doctor is spotted, relatives ask about the condition of patients. There is a shortage of doctors and nurses.