Kanpur health officials probe hospital after first swine flu death

Health authorities in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, have launched an official probe following the city’s first swine flu death. The deceased, a 30-year-old man named Shivam from Kannauj, passed away while receiving treatment at a private hospital in the Rawatpur area after being admitted on September 1.

Kanpur Nagar Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Hari Dutt Nemi issued formal notices to the hospital and a prominent diagnostic centre involved in the case. The institutions are accused of attempting to suppress information regarding the death. The investigation was triggered after a Delhi-based pathology laboratory confirmed the swine flu case.

In response to the incident, health officials in Varanasi have also issued guidelines to prevent the spread of Influenza-A/H1N1. These measures include reserving hospital beds, ensuring the availability of essential medicines, and increasing public awareness regarding hygiene and timely medical consultation.