28-year-old swine flu patient critical in Mumbai

Mumbai, Aug. 9 (ANI): Condition of a 28-year-old swine flu patient admitted to Dr. L H Hiranandani Hospital in Mumbai was reported to be critical on Sunday.

"Sandeep Gaikwad, a resident of Chandivili is still critical and put on ventilator, but is stable. He is being treated as per doctors' advise from Kasturba Hospital," said Manish Joshi, Manager of Dr. L H Hiranandani Hospital.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan on Sunday said that government is considering a proposal to allow private hospitals to treat swine flu cases.

"A decision on the issue would be taken in two days after a meeting with private hospital managements. Those private hospitals who are willing to set up isolated wards and follow Government of India's guidelines would be considered," Chavan said.

Chavan also urged people to restrict themselves from unnecessary outings.

Four persons have succumbed to swine flu. Earlier, a 43-year-old non - resident Indian (NRI) died of swine flu at the City Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

On Saturday, 53-year-old Fahmida Panwala from Mumbai and 42-year-old teacher Sanjay Tukaram Kokre from Pune had died of swine flu.

On August 3, a 14-year-old schoolgirl Reeda Shaikh had died in Pune. (ANI)