RAWALPINDI: Two more doctors from Holy Family Hospital (HFH) have contracted swine flu, as the National Institute of Health (NIH) confirmed that they could contract the virus while treating patients.

Dr Shafaq Ahmed, a postgraduate trainee, and house officer Dr Mohammad Ali, are receiving treatment from the hospital. The hospital initially sent samples of 10 doctors to NIH, which cleared eight and declared two doctors as swine flu patients.

HFH medical superintendent Dr Raja Shafique confirmed that the two doctors’ reports were positive, but added that neither of them were displaying any symptoms and had been allowed to go home to rest. “They are in good condition and are getting vaccinated from the hospital. They are resting at home on their own request,” he said.

He said the hospital sent throat samples of ten doctors and paramedical employees to NIH. He said following the NIH report, the vaccination of hospital staff had begun and 130 doctors and nurses had been vaccinated to avoid further contraction.

He said doctors and paramedical staff have also been advised to use personal protective equipment and said the hospital had sufficient amount of swine flu vaccine. — A Reporter