Srinagar, Apr 16: 60-year-old Abdul Gani Bhat shivers on hearing noise or seeing water, he can’t bear whispering either. Bitten by stray dogs last month, Bhat is fighting for life at SMHS Hospital after doctors declared him a rabies case.
 Bhat is a latest victim of the deadly bites to have reached SMHS hospital. His family says he was bitten by stray dogs on March 11 near his residence in Sumbal area of Ganderbal district. He had received wounds on face including lips and was instantly rushed to SK Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) Soura.
 It is believed that the doctors at the SKIMS treated him and even administered the rabies vaccines. They also performed his plastic surgery. He was discharged two days later, his family said. 
 “He was doing fine and responding well to the treatment till Sunday when he complained of palpitation and tremors,” says his son Abdul Aziz.
 “Concerned for his life we rushed him to SKIMS where doctors referred him to SMHS saying they can’t provide specialized treatment,” his son adds.
 On Sunday, Bhat’s family shifted him to the SMHS Hospital where the doctors advised his hospitalization in isolation ward.
 “To our surprise we didn’t find a single isolation ward in the hospital,” the family says adding that he was admitted in a room where no doctor bothers to come.
 The doctors on the other hand said: “The virus has already attacked his brain and central nervous system and he developed hydrophobia and aerophobia (which are the symptoms at the later stage of the infection).”
 When contacted Medical Superintendent SMHS hospital, Dr Nazir Chowdary said he knew nothing about the case.
 About the alleged non-availability of proper isolation ward, he said it was the prerogative of Social and Preventive Medicine Department.
 “This is the concern of SPM better contact them,” he said.

Lastupdate on : Mon, 16 Apr 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Mon, 16 Apr 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Tue, 17 Apr 2012 00:00:00 IST