Two central health officials arrive in swine flu-hit Pune

Two central health officials arrived here today to assess the situation arising out swine flu in the city, worst hit by the pandemic in India, and provide necessary assistance.

"Emergency Medical Relief Director Ravindran and Health Department Joint Secretary Vineet Choudari arrived here today. They are assessing the situation in the city after which they would give necessary help and advise to the health officials," Pune MP Suresh Kalmadi told PTI.

A team from Delhi-based National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD), headed by Dr Dharival, is in Pune for the last three days, he said, adding it had visited hospitals treating the patients infected with the virus which has claimed 15 lives so far in the city.

The situation here is improving due to better co-ordniation among central and the state government officials, doctors and private hospitals, Kalmadi said. Two more hospitals - KEM and Bharati Vidyapeeth - have started treating flu patients from today, he said.

"Today, not a single patient has been admitted to ICU in Sassoon, the government hospital treating the flu patients," the former union minister said. Kalmadi held a meeting, attended by District Collector Chandrakant Dalvi, Municipal Commissioner Mahesh Zagade and representatives of private hospitals.