Sharp Rise in Swine Flu Cases in Pune, Citizens Urged to Take Precautions as Hospitals Face Bed Crunch
Pune, 9th September 2026: After a rise in dengue and chikungunya cases, Pune is now witnessing a sharp increase in swine flu cases. The number of cases has risen nearly 11-fold in recent months, putting pressure on hospital bed management. The health department has urged citizens to take precautions while attending crowded gatherings during Ganeshotsav, Navratri and other festivals.
According to Pune Municipal Corporation data, the city reported 13 swine flu cases in June, which increased to 35 in July. The number surged to 407 in August and reached 546 at the beginning of September.
The sudden rise in cases has raised concerns over hospital preparedness and bed availability. Recently, two critically ill women from Udgir and Beed had to be admitted to Sassoon General Hospital after ICU beds were reportedly unavailable at private hospitals.
The incident comes days after a woman died in an ambulance outside Sassoon Hospital after an ICU bed was reportedly unavailable. Hospital authorities said the increasing number of swine flu patients is now putting additional pressure on bed management.
