700 people die of swine flu outbreak in India since mid-December

Indian gvernment receives heavy criticism for its failure in distribution of medicine

Almost 700 people in India have died to a swine flu outbreak since mid-December, and officials are having a tough time controlling the deadly outbreak, BBC reported on Saturday.

The number of cases has doubled since the epidemic erupted in December to almost 11,000.

This outbreak of the H1N1 virus has been the worst yet in India since 2010 – with the state of Rajasthan being the worst affected, for which the government has received heavy criticism for its failure in the distribution of medicine.

Following the criticism the government was receiving, Health Minister JP Nadda made an effort to put-down drug shortage reports.  Further, officials also maintained that the situation was in control.

"If any medicine store refuses to give medicines after showing a medical prescription, it should be reported to the authorities and action will be taken," he said.

The health minister added that the government was observing the situation, and said there was no reason to panic.

Further, TV and radio campaigns have been launched across Indian by health authorities in order to raise awareness about precautionary measures people can take to avoid getting the deadly flu.