Iran-returned patient dies in Leh, suspected to be first COVID death in India

Nisar Dharma

Srinagar: An elderly Iran-returned patient who passed away at a Leh hospital today morning is suspected to be the first death due to coronavirus in India.

75-year-old Ali Mohammad, who hailed from Chochuk village in Leh, was admitted at SN Hospital Leh on March 6 after he suffered from some respiratory issues.

The patient passed away early Sunday morning.

Medical Superintendent SN Hospital, Dr Tsering Samphel told The Kashmir Monitor that the patient had recently travelled to Iran and was admitted with complaints of urinary incontinence and respiratory issues.

“We collected his sample yesterday and sent it to Delhi but the patient passed away today morning,” he said.

Asked about the cause of death, the MS said that the patient suffered from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD).

Contrary to claims by media reports, Dr Samphel said the patient did not have any contact with the two who have been tested positive and are kept in isolation in the same hospital.

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A journalist by chance with over six years of experience in reporting, editing, and curating content. Nisar has dual Masters Degrees in Mass Communication and Journalism, and English Literature. He has covered education, health, politics, and human rights. He likes working for a daily, though occasionally tries his pen in long-form to connect personal narratives with history. Nisar loves reading, and re-reading Orwell.
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