Swine Flu: Poor medical services in Agra cause concern

AGRA - With one more person dying of suspected swine flu, raising the toll to two in the Taj City, residents here are concerned about the lack of adequate and affordable medical services.

A 35-year-old woman died Saturday afternoon at the SN Medical College due to suspected swine flu and one patient was admitted Saturday night with symptoms of the disease.

Medical Superintendent B.K. Agarwal said the medical report of the deceased was still awaited from a New Delhi lab.

Residents of several localities approached the health authorities, demanding a camp for screening of all the people.

Chief Medical Officer Ram Ratan confirmed late Saturday night that a health camp would be held in Krishna Colony, from where the death was reported, to screen the residents.

Private doctors in the city feel the system cannot cope with any large-scale flareup, as even elementary health services were lacking.

Dr Shivani Chaturvedi, eminent gynaecologist and medical activist, said: “We are in for a major disaster. The government health sector cannot cope with any crisis, no mock drills have been held, resources are lacking and there is lack of motivation at all levels.”

“Frankly, everyone is a potential victim of swine flu. The fear is palpable and large scale. They keep saying it is a media created hype, but the medical fraternity knows for sure we are in for an explosive situation as the temperatures dip further,” Chaturvedi added.

Housewife Usha Devi complained: “Government hospitals do not inspire confidence and private nursing homes are beyond the reach of the common man.”

Even hoteliers reported a decline in the number of tourists, especially those coming from Jaipur to the Taj City. Their fear is that news of the scare could adversely affect tourism in Agra.

Sandeep Arora, owner of Hotel Kamal in Tajganj locality and former president of the Agra Hotels and Restaurants Association, told IANS: “Swine flu has already hit tourism. It’s not a question of distant future. Both (David Coleman) Headley and swine flu have hit Agra. Hotel rooms are available even though it is peak season. Ticket sales at the Taj Mahal have gone down. It’s a serious situation….”

However, a health official, on condition of anonymity, said it was all a “media blowup”.